Kentucky Senator Thayer Will Not Seek Re-Election

Kentucky Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, a Republican from Georgetown who has championed horse racing during his more than two decades representing his district, has decided to not run for re-election.

His term as Kentucky's 17th District Senator, which has included a decade serving as Majority Floor Leader, will conclude in December 2024. 

"I have decided not to seek re-election to the state Senate in 2024," Thayer said. "The end of my current term next year will mark 22 years in the Senate and 12 as Majority Floor Leader. After conversations with my adult children, close friends and colleagues, I have concluded this is the right decision."

Thayer said there are some exciting private-sector opportunities he wishes to pursue.

Senate President Robert Stivers, a Republican from Manchester, acknowledged Thayer's service.

"Senator Damon Thayer has brought such conviction and passion to creating conservative legislation in Kentucky for over 22 years," Stivers said. "I value and came to rely on the energy he poured into Senate floor activity day after day. Damon shepherded sound policy through the process, creating a business-friendly environment that's materialized in the job growth we are seeing today. The commonwealth is better because of Damon Thayer and the Senate will miss him greatly."

Thayer was a driving force in supporting 2021 legislation that specifically allowed historical horse racing in the state. The pari-mutuel machines have helped drive a massive increase in purses in Kentucky. In 2009 Thayer worked to pass legislation that shifted tax money generated by the industry back into racing and breeding, supporting the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, equine drug testing, and additional purse money.

Thayer, who had worked for Turfway Park and Breeders' Cup and currently owns Thoroughbreds, also supported the addition of sports gambling in Kentucky, as the legislation paved the way for brick-and-mortar locations at Kentucky's tracks earlier this year. As the Senate's leading supporter of sports betting, which was passed during the 2023 legislation session, Thayer was jointly named the recipient of the American Gambling Awards' Policymaker of the Year Award alongside Rep. Michael Meredith for their instrumental roles in enacting sports betting legislation, House Bill 551. Recent reports indicate tax revenue generated from sports betting will outpace the $23 million the state had anticipated.

Also, Thayer served multiple terms on Kentucky's Equine Drug Research Council, which funds research projects as well as testing of equine drugs. Additionally, the KEDRC advises the racing commission and makes recommendations for establishing an effective drug regulatory policy for Kentucky racing.

"I have accomplished most of the political and policy goals I set out to achieve," Thayer said of his time in the Senate. "I am grateful to the residents of the 17th district who granted me the honor of representing them in the Senate, and to my colleagues in the GOP caucus for the privilege of being their Majority Leader."