What candidates in KY 93rd House race say about abortion, teachers, transgender rights

Kyle Whalen, a Republican small business owner, will face Democrat newcomer Adrielle Camuel in the special election to replace Rep. Lamin Swann, who died unexpectedly earlier this year.

Whalen ran for the seat and lost to Swann by eight percentage points in 2022. House District 93 includes the south side of Fayette County and is a newly formed House district. It is considered a Democratic strong hold, with President Joe Biden winning the area by about 17 points over former President Donald Trump.

Camuel, who is an administrative specialist with Fayette County Public Schools, is a political newcomer but has been involved with the Democratic party for several years.

Whalen, of Back Construction, and Camuel were selected by their respective parties to run in the special election to fill Swann’s unexpired term this summer. Camuel was picked by the party over Emma Curtis among other potential nominees. If Curtis had been picked, she would have been the first openly transgender nominee for the state House.

Whalen has a slight fundraising lead over Camuel.

As of Oct. 25, Camuel has raised $62,726, according to Kentucky Registry of Election Finance reports. Camuel has received $4,500 in political action committee contributions including $1,000 from the the Kentucky Women’s Network Inc., $1,000 Insulators International PAC and $500 from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers PAC. She received $5,000 from the House Democratic Caucus PAC.

Whalen has raised $68,244. Whalen has received $13,900 from PACs, including $1,000 from the Kentucky Realtors Pac, $1,000 from the Housing Industry Association PAC, $500 from the Home Builders Association of Kentucky and $2,100 from the Kentucky Chamber PAC. He’s also received more than $5,000 in donations from campaign funds from Republican house members and a $5,000 donation from the House Republican Caucus PAC.

The Lexington Herald-Leader asked the candidates questions about some of the state’s most pressing issues. Each candidate had 200 words to answer questions about teachers, transgender rights, abortion and why they wanted to run for the position.

Do you support teacher pay raises? If so, how would you pay for them?

Camuel: Yes, I strongly support fair and competitive pay for teachers in Kentucky because public education is the cornerstone to any thriving society. Educators shape our future generations and deserve to be compensated appropriately. They are the first step in workforce development. Already many excellent teachers are looking elsewhere for higher salaries, more supportive career paths, or leaving the profession altogether. To fund teacher pay raises, we should take a multifaceted approach, such as budget reallocations, generation of new revenue, and enhancing operational efficiency.

Whalen: I believe that our hardworking teachers deserve a raise and I think there are sufficient resources in the rainy-day fund to cover them. It is the right way to attract dedicated professionals into the classrooms to help ignite a love of learning in our children. However, when only half of Kentucky’s kids are able to read at grade level and even fewer can do math, I believe our public school system is in need of a total review to get back to basics. I will work across the aisle to ensure that our education system is focused on helping every student succeed.

How would you use this seat to benefit Fayette County residents? Is there a particular issue specific to Fayette County you would like to tackle?

Camuel: Having someone in the legislature who will vocalize the needs of Fayette County is critical. I will speak out on behalf of residents and work to find solutions that will benefit all. For instance, it is crucial to address the issue of high rent prices and lack of affordable housing in Fayette County and other urban areas. Housing and rent prices are so high it is difficult for teachers and first responders to live in the communities they serve. People in Lexington are struggling with housing, and it’s impacting both lower income earners and the ever-shrinking middle class.

Whalen: Violent crime and drugs are a growing threat to the safety of our citizens. The first responsibility of Government is to keep our citizens safe. If I am elected to serve, I will work hard in Frankfort to ensure our law enforcement has the tools and resources to protect our community.

How would you have voted on Senate Bill 150, which bans gender-affirming puberty blockers, hormones and surgery for minors?

Camuel: I would have strongly opposed SB 150 as a legislator and I strongly opposed Senate Bill 150 as a private citizen. I oppose surgery for minors, but believe that reversible options, such as hormone therapy, should remain a decision between families and their physicians. I am committed to filing or co-sponsoring legislation to repeal SB 150.

Whalen: Senate Bill 150 is not the bill I would have written, but I would support measures that would protect our minor children from irreparable harm of sex change operations. We should lower the temperature on the conversation and remember the responsibility we all have to protect Kentucky’s children.

What is your stance on abortion?

Camuel: I am 100% pro-choice. I believe that everyone is entitled to make choices about their body and healthcare. Government shouldn’t stand between doctors and their patients. The legislation passed by the Republican supermajority in Frankfort targeting reproductive healthcare and abortion access constitutes an attack on freedom, bodily autonomy, and the fundamental right to privacy.

Whalen: I am pro-life. I believe that our law should include the common sense exceptions for rape, incest, and the life and health of the mother. At the same time, we should expand the services for moms and families to help them raise their children in a loving and caring home right here in Kentucky. We can be pro-life, pro-family and show compassion at the same time.

Why do you want to run for this position?

Camuel: I’m committed to making our Commonwealth a better place to live for all Kentuckians. It’s that commitment which led me to be a first-time candidate running for public office. As a mom, a public employee and someone squeezed between children and aging parents, I understand many of the issues that voters in the 93rd face. Over the years I’ve lived in the 93rd, people repeatedly voice concern about: supporting public education, access to reproductive healthcare and elder care for seniors, implementing common sense gun safety, balancing the needs of small businesses and new industries, making sure every Kentuckian has the right to live a fulfilling and dignified life. These will be my top priorities in Frankfort.

Whalen: I have been blessed in my career as a small business owner and active in my community. I always approach this with the attitude of service. I want to continue my service but in a different way. I want to serve the citizens of the 93rd district as their voice in Frankfort.