State Senator Whitney Westerfield of Christian County has announced he will not seek a fourth term in next year’s elections.
The Republican defeated longtime incumbent Joey Pendleton in 2012 and quickly became the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
In a statement to area media, Westerfield says “I have tried my best to serve humbly, with a desire to benefit all Kentuckians. I am honored to have served on a number of committees, task forces, and work groups, in the state and nationally, to consider, debate and advance the best public policy for the people of the commonwealth.”
He says his wife and two children have ‘sacrificed greatly’ so that he can serve the people of the district and he believes they have ‘sacrificed enough.’
Westerfield adds, ‘It is with these thoughts in mind and my desire to remain closest to those I hold most dear that I have decided not to seek reelection as the Kentucky State Senator for District 3. I still have unfinished work to accomplish this year and next, and I’ll be working feverishly to meet those goals for my district and the people of Kentucky. I’m eager to spend more time with my family when my third term in the Senate concludes at the end of 2024’
He concludes by saying, “I plan to continue working in public policy after my time in the Senate has drawn to a close, particularly in the criminal justice and behavioral health space. I look forward to what the future may hold, that I may contribute directly once again to the people of the commonwealth.”
Westerfield tells WHOP News that while he has no plans to run for any office now, he isn’t ruling anything out in the future.
District 3 includes Christian, Muhlenberg and Caldwell counties and the seat will be on next year’s ballot.
Welcome to Day ㉚, Sine Die Day! I have some personal news to share: pic.twitter.com/LabB9nSdnR
— Whitney Westerfield (@KyWhitney) March 30, 2023