Linda H. Belcher

Linda Belcher
Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives
from the 49th district
In office
February 27, 2018 – January 1, 2019
Preceded byDan Johnson
Succeeded byThomas Huff
In office
January 1, 2015 – January 1, 2017
Preceded byRussell Webber (redistricting)
Succeeded byDan Johnson
In office
January 1, 2009 – January 1, 2013
Preceded byLarry Belcher
Succeeded byRussell Webber
Personal details
BornLinda Howlett Belcher
(1948-09-28) September 28, 1948
PartyDemocratic
SpouseLarry Belcher
EducationEastern Kentucky University (BA)
Western Kentucky University (MA)

Linda Howlett Belcher (born September 28, 1948) is an American educator and politician. She is a three-time member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, representing the 49th district, which covers parts of Bullitt County.

Early life and education

Belcher was born in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Eastern Kentucky University and a Master of Arts in elementary education from Western Kentucky University.

Career

Outside of politics, Belcher worked as an elementary teacher and was a member of the Little Flock Christian Academy School Board. Belcher served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 2009 to 2013 and from 2015 to 2017 as a Democrat. She succeeded her husband Larry Belcher in the Kentucky General Assembly after he was killed in an auto accident.[1][2]

In 2016, Belcher was defeated for re-election by Republican Dan Johnson.[3] Johnson committed suicide in December 2017, two days after elements of his criminal past had been exposed. Belcher ran again for the open seat in a district which president Donald Trump had won with 72% of the vote. Dan's widow, Rebecca, was chosen by Republican officials as their replacement nominee, to oppose Belcher in a special election. Belcher recaptured her old seat with 68% of the vote.[4][5] She lost to Republican Thomas Huff in the general election of November 2018.[6]

Election results

Date Election Candidate Party Votes %
Kentucky House of Representatives, 49th district
Nov 4, 2008[7] General Linda Belcher Democratic 10,954 53.96
Trina Summers Republican 9,347 46.04
Larry Belcher died in office; seat stayed Democratic
Nov 2, 2010[8] General Linda Belcher Democratic 7,878 50.32
Russell Webber Republican 7,777 49.68
Nov 6, 2012[9] General Russell Webber Republican 11,329 52.81
Linda Belcher Democratic 10,124 47.19
Nov 4, 2014[10] General Linda Belcher Democratic 6,675 52.92
Michael Nemes Republican 5,938 47.08
Nov 8, 2016[11] General Dan Johnson Republican 9,342 50.42
Linda Belcher Democratic 9,186 49.58
Feb 20, 2018[12] Special Linda Belcher Democratic 3,386 68.45
Rebecca Johnson Republican 1,561 31.55
Nov 6, 2018[13] General Thomas Huff Republican 8,680 59.41
Linda Belcher Democratic 5,930 40.59

Notes

  1. ^ Votersmart.org.-Linda Belcher
  2. ^ Williams, Chris (December 14, 2017). "Rep Dan Johnson's widow: I want to replace him in Frankfort". whas11.com. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  3. ^ Cheves, John (November 20, 2016). "How did candidate disowned by GOP for racism end up winning?". Lexington Herald-Leader. p. 1A.
  4. ^ Novelly, Thomas (February 20, 2018). "Linda Belcher defeats Rebecca Johnson to reclaim District 49 seat". Louisville Courier Journal. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
  5. ^ Carter, Brandon; Wilson, Reid (February 20, 2018). "Dem wins Kentucky state House seat in district Trump won by 49 points". The Hill. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  6. ^ "Huff wins Ky. House of Representative's District 49 race".
  7. ^ "Official 2008 General Election Results". Commonwealth of Kentucky Secretary of State. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  8. ^ "Official 2010 General Election Results" (PDF). Commonwealth of Kentucky Secretary of State. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  9. ^ "Official 2012 General Election Results" (PDF). Commonwealth of Kentucky Secretary of State. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  10. ^ "Official 2014 General Election Results" (PDF). Commonwealth of Kentucky Secretary of State. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  11. ^ "Official 2016 General Election Results" (PDF). Commonwealth of Kentucky Secretary of State. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  12. ^ "Cumulative Report - Unofficial - Special Election Held on February 20, 2018" (PDF). Bullitt County Clerk. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  13. ^ "Official 2018 General Election Results" (PDF). Commonwealth of Kentucky Secretary of State. Retrieved November 4, 2019.