State Representative Bill Wesley (pictured right), serving his 2nd term as a State Representative for District 91, is now setting his sights on becoming the State Senator for District 30 by filing his papers for the upcoming election in 2026.
He says his decision to run for State Senate stems from his desire to return to representing the people of District 30 — much of the area he lost during redistricting in 2021.
“The purpose of me running is so I can come back to District 30, which I lost when they did re-districting in 2021,” Wesley said. “If I ran for State Senator, I would retain District 30. I have had many requests from people in that district who want me back, and running for State Senator is a way to do that.”
Wesley will face longtime State Senator Brandon Smith, who has served in the General Assembly for about 30 years. “Even though my opposing candidate, Senator Brandon Smith, has been in office approximately 30 years, and me only five years, I have had many groundbreaking moments as a State Representative,” Wesley said.
Among those moments, Wesley highlighted his work on BR1175, legislation that exempts churches from paying certain taxes — a Bill he says he continues to support. He also cited his efforts to advance a Bill regarding the use of restrooms based on biological sex, referencing a summer incident at the Capitol when he said he confronted a transgender individual at a women’s restroom after some females complained.
Wesley also spoke about his concerns regarding Sharia Law; an Islamic system of jurisprudence derived from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. He expressed his belief that such legal frameworks should not have influence in Kentucky, emphasizing that “a ban on Sharia law” would ensure that no religious legal code is applied in state courts.
Similar bans have been enacted in several U.S. states, including Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee.
Currently, Wesley serves as Vice Chairman of Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection (VMAPP) and previously served as Vice Chairman of the Natural Resources Policy Committee.
He said he is also working on legislation that would prohibit foreign entities from nations designated as terrorist states from purchasing land in Kentucky. “I support foreign trade in the Commonwealth,” Wesley explained, “just not with nations that are considered terrorist nations.”
If elected to the State Senate, Wesley said his priorities would focus on infrastructure, clean water, roads, and ensuring his constituents’ voices are heard. “I want to be seen. I will not be hidden. I’ll be reachable,” Wesley said. “I want to protect and promote our communities and encourage our youth to go further in life.”
As a Veteran himself, Wesley said he is particularly committed to advocating for Veterans and youth programs. He wants to ensure continued funding for JROTC programs, expand access to trades training, offering more opportunities for students who choose not to attend college. “I just want to ensure that I work hard for the communities of District 30, as I did when I was their Representative prior to the re-districting; and bringing hope for our youth and our communities for years to come.”
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