Update: Floyd drops out; McCoy to face Democrat DeWeese in November

NELSON COUNTY GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, 8:45 a.m. (Updated 2 p.m.) — State Rep. David Floyd announced Monday that he will not seek another term representing Kentucky’s 50th District.

Floyd won election as the first Republican to represent the 50th District in 2004, and has served since 2005.

“Late last week, I met privately with Chad McCoy, a Republican who had filed for the 50th district seat on Tuesday,” Floyd said through a press release. “It turns out Chad and I share almost identical positions on all major issues that have come before the General Assembly. More importantly, he is philosophically aligned with the overwhelming majority of Nelson County residents.”

Floyd state he was “very happy that the people of Nelson County will be the ones making the choice in November. There are two candidates for state representative, and I enthusiastically endorse Chad McCoy. I’ve said for a good while that I’d retire when another person files who will faithfully represent the values of this district. Chad is that person.”

In a press release to local media, McCoy said he was looking forward to representing the concerns of Nelson County residents in Frankfort.

“I look forward to picking up and building upon the success David Floyd has accomplished since his election in 2005. Nelson County has been well served with him as their Representative in Frankfort,” McCoy said in his statement.

“Rep. Floyd and I share the same positions on many issues affecting our area and our state, and our views reflect the majority of Nelson County residents. As the days and weeks pass leading up to the election, it is my intent to ensure my positions remain aligned with the voters in Nelson County as I work toward a successful election and the opportunity to represent the 50th District in Frankfort.”

In a press release, House Republican Floor Leader Jeff Hoover said he was saddened to learn of Floyd’s decision to withdraw from the race.

“He has served with honor and distinction, and his voice will be missed in our caucus” Hoover said. “His family has always been his first priority, and I know how much he enjoys his new role as a grandfather.”

“I am extremely confident in Chad McCoy and his ability to fill the role of departing Representative David Floyd in Kentucky’s 50^th District,” Hoover said. “As a small businessman, Chad will bring a level of experienced and common sense to Frankfort and will be a strong addition to the Republican Caucus. He is a wonderful father and husband, and I look forward to him joining us as a member of the New Majority.”

Floyd was the first Republican in history elected to represent the 50th District. Floyd’s term of office continues until the end of 2016, and he said much remains to be done.

“This is an important budget year. The session concludes April 15th, but my work isn’t finished until the next representative is sworn in,” he said.

“I believe in term-limits, self-imposed or otherwise,” Floyd concluded. “But I don’t plan to stop work after I’m out of office; I will continue serving the community in other ways after this year is ended.”

Floyd’s decision means that Republican Chad McCoy will have no primary opposition for the 50th District seat. McCoy will face Democrat James DeWeese in the November general election.

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