Sen. Robin Webb, the last rural Democrat in the Kentucky State Senate, has left her former party to join Republicans, saying the Democrat Party “left me.”
The Republican Party of Kentucky celebrated the news in a press release noting that the Republican supermajority in Kentucky’s General Assembly “grew even stronger” with the switch.
“While it’s cliché, it’s true: I didn’t leave the party — the party left me,” Webb said in her announcement. “The Kentucky Democratic Party has increasingly alienated lifelong rural Democrats like myself by failing to support the issues that matter most to rural Kentuckians.”
“First and foremost, I’m a mother, a rancher, and a lawyer with deep personal and professional roots in Kentucky’s coal country. As the Democratic party continues its lurch to the left and its hyperfocus on policies that hurt workforce and economic development in my region, I no longer feel it represents my values.”
“It has become untenable and counterproductive to the best interests of my constituents for me to remain a Democrat.”
Republican Party of Kentucky Chairman Robert Benvenuti welcomed the announcement sharing, “I had the privilege of getting to know Sen. Webb when I served as a state representative. I always respected that she approached issues in a very thoughtful and commonsense manner, and that she never failed to keenly focus on what was best for her constituents. It is my pleasure to welcome Sen. Robin Webb to the Republican Party.”
“Like countless other Kentuckians, she has recognized that the policies and objectives of today’s Democratic Party are simply not what they once were, and do not align with the vast majority of Kentuckians.”
Republican National Committeeman from Kentucky John McCarthy and RNC Co-Chair KC Crosbie praised the move.
“On behalf of the national party, I want to extend our warmest welcome to our newest Republican lawmaker,” said Crosbie. “Her switch continues a growing trend of rural Democrats who feel left behind and disillusioned by a party that no longer values them or prioritizes the issues most important to their families. Republicans understand the outsized role rural communities play in our society and value the unique perspective rural lawmakers bring to policy discussions.”
“As a tireless advocate for rural communities and the mountains of eastern Kentucky, Sen. Webb will be a natural fit.”
“This is wonderful news, and we are ecstatic to welcome Sen. Webb to the Republican Party,” McCarthy added. “I have counted Sen. Webb as a friend for many years, and like so many across the commonwealth, I deeply respect her for both her legislative skill and her long, successful legal career in eastern Kentucky.”
Webb’s move was celebrated by other Kentucky Republicans including Congressman James Comer (R-KY) who welcomed Webb saying, “Congratulations to my dear friend Sen Robin Webb for switching parties. Like so many good honest people with common sense who work hard and pay taxes, the Democrat party has abandoned them. Robin will make an excellent addition to our great Kentucky State Senate Majority!”
Congratulations to my dear friend Sen Robin Webb for switching parties. Like so many good honest people with common sense who work hard and pay taxes, the Democrat party has abandoned them. Robin will make an excellent addition to our great Kentucky State Senate Majority! https://t.co/yD5a7DemLx
— James Comer (@JamesComer) May 30, 2025
Big news in KY! My friend, Sen. Robin Webb, switches from Dem to GOP. Pres. Trump’s leadership is strengthening our nation & growing our party. Love working w/ Robin on ag issues—thrilled to welcome her commonsense approach to the @KYGOP! Welcome, Robin!! pic.twitter.com/x7s69WGJxa
— Jonathan Shell (@JShellKY) May 30, 2025
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