Lexington District Representative History
The political landscape of the Lexington district has been shaped by a series of dedicated representatives over several decades. From the late 1960s to the present, the district has seen a transition in party leadership and a consistent focus on serving the residents of Lexington and parts of Fayette County.
Understanding the electoral history of this region provides insight into the shifting political leanings and the professional trajectories of those who have held office, including several members who transitioned from legislative roles to the judiciary.
Key Facts
- Robert D. Flynn was the first representative listed for the district, serving from 1968 to 1972.
- Mike Moloney holds the longest tenure among the listed members, serving for over 24 years.
- Both Ernesto Scorsone and Kathy Stein resigned their seats to become Judges of the 22nd Circuit Court.
- Reginald L. Thomas is the current representative, having served since 2014.
- The district has been predominantly represented by the Democratic Party since 1972.
Chronological History of Representatives
The Early Years: Robert D. Flynn
The record begins with Robert D. Flynn, a Republican from Lexington. Elected in 1967, Flynn served from January 1, 1968, until January 1, 1972. His tenure ended after he lost his bid for reelection.
The Long Tenure of Mike Moloney
Following Flynn, Mike Moloney of the Democratic Party took office on January 1, 1972. Moloney's influence spanned over two decades, securing reelection in 1975, 1979, 1983, 1988, and 1992. He served until July 31, 1996, when he resigned after moving his residence outside of the district.
Judicial Transitions: Scorsone and Stein
Ernesto Scorsone, also a Democrat, was elected in 1996 to complete Moloney's term and was subsequently elected to a full term. After being reelected in 2000 and 2004, Scorsone resigned on August 7, 2008, to accept a position as a Judge of the 22nd Circuit Court.
Kathy Stein followed in 2009, winning the election in 2008 and securing reelection in 2012. Similar to her predecessor, Stein resigned on October 14, 2013, to also serve as a Judge of the 22nd Circuit Court.
Current Representation: Reginald L. Thomas
Reginald L. Thomas was elected to finish Kathy Stein's term, officially taking office on January 7, 2014. He has maintained his seat through successful reelection campaigns in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and continues to represent the district today.
District Evolution and Electoral Summary
The district's boundaries and location have evolved over time, specifically involving parts of Fayette County between 1984 and 1993, and continuing through various redistricting phases from 2015 to the present.
| Member | Party | Term Start | Term End | Reason for Leaving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert D. Flynn | Republican | Jan 1, 1968 | Jan 1, 1972 | Lost reelection |
| Mike Moloney | Democratic | Jan 1, 1972 | Jul 31, 1996 | Moved outside district |
| Ernesto Scorsone | Democratic | Nov 25, 1996 | Aug 7, 2008 | Became Judge (22nd Circuit) |
| Kathy Stein | Democratic | Jan 1, 2009 | Oct 14, 2013 | Became Judge (22nd Circuit) |
| Reginald L. Thomas | Democratic | Jan 7, 2014 | Present | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current representative for the Lexington district?
The current representative is Reginald L. Thomas, who has held the office since January 7, 2014.
Which representatives left office to join the judiciary?
Both Ernesto Scorsone and Kathy Stein resigned their legislative positions to become Judges of the 22nd Circuit Court.
Who served the longest term in this district?
Mike Moloney served the longest term, spanning from January 1, 1972, to July 31, 1996.
Has the district always been represented by the Democratic Party?
No, the district was represented by Republican Robert D. Flynn from 1968 to 1972 before transitioning to Democratic representation.
Why did Mike Moloney resign from his position?
Mike Moloney resigned on July 31, 1996, because he moved his residence outside of the district.