Stivers continues as Senate president, will be longest-serving in Kentucky history
FRANKFORT, KY (Jan. 7, 2025)—The Kentucky General Assembly convened today for the 2025 Legislative Session, marking a significant milestone: the 25th anniversary of Republican control of the Senate majority in the commonwealth. This marks a quarter-century of Republican leadership, with Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, now the longest-serving Senate president in Kentucky history, at the helm.
“I’d like to thank the people of District 25 for their continued trust in me to serve them for another four years. I’m also honored by the opportunity to remain Senate president,” said Stivers. “I am mindful of the leaders who preceded me in this role, such as David Williams and Dan Kelly, who laid the foundation for conservative policies that have shaped Kentucky’s direction. I am confident that our Senate majority will keep advancing proven economic policies that benefit our state’s future.”
Stivers' district encompasses Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties in southeastern Kentucky. Stivers was first elected in 1996, marking 2025 as his 29th year as a senator and will mark his 13th year as Senate president.
Republicans have controlled the Kentucky Senate since 2000 and currently hold a commanding 31-seat majority compared to the Democrats’ seven. The Grand Old Party first achieved a legislative supermajority in both chambers in 2016 when control flipped in the Kentucky House of Representatives. This power shift has enabled Republicans to push through significant reforms.
Among the significant achievements of the Republican-led General Assembly are historic tax cuts, including reductions to the state income tax, creating a more business-friendly climate that created job growth to attract new industries, and record years of economic investments in Kentucky. Republicans have also focused on stabilizing the state's ailing pension systems, securing historical funding levels for public schools, and advancing Kentucky values. These policy moves aim to spur economic growth and ensure the commonwealth's long-term financial stability.
Stivers and Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens, R-Greensburg, were re-elected to their respective leadership positions and sworn in today.
In addition, other key Republican leadership positions were decided following the November caucus elections. Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, is the majority floor leader, while Sen. Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, remains majority whip. Sen. Robby Mills, R-Henderson, has taken on the new role of majority caucus chair.
The leadership team’s combined experience and dedication position them to further Kentucky's goals of expanding economic opportunity, enhancing public services, and addressing the state’s challenges—especially in workforce development, infrastructure, and fiscal stability. The approach is rooted in a commitment to policies that will continue strengthening the commonwealth's economy and improving the quality of life for all Kentuckians.
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