Jim Gray (Kentucky)

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Jim Gray

Prior offices

Mayor of Lexington

Successor: Linda Gorton

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Report an officeholder change

Elections and appointments

Last election

May 22, 2018

Education

Bachelor's

Vanderbilt University, 1975

Personal

Profession

Construction

Contact

Personal website

Personal Twitter

Jim Gray was the mayor of Lexington, Kentucky. He was first elected in 2010. He did not run for re-election in 2018.

Gray was a 2018 Democratic candidate who sought election to the U.S. House to represent the 6th Congressional District of Kentucky.

Jim Gray's experience includes serving as the mayor of Lexington and operating his family business, Gray Construction. He ran for the U.S. Senate in 2016 and lost to Rand Paul (R-Ky.) by about 15 points.

"People are asking me, 'Why, Jim, are you running for Congress?'" Gray said in a campaign ad. "Well, I will tell you all that I feel like that I've been lucky in my life, and I've pretty much lived the American dream... But that dream... that dream, for too many people, is threatened today, and it's really in trouble. Healthcare costs rising out the ceiling. Our education costs doing the very same thing. And wages not keeping up, in order for people to keep up and catch up. But I do believe, with all my heart, that you all can have better representation in Washington from somebody who's not bought and paid for by special interests. From somebody whose heart really is in this for the right reasons."

In a December 2017 speech launching his congressional campaign, Gray cited a need to work across partisan lines as a motivating factor in his run: "We need to bring people together; we need to reach across partisan lines." Gray said he would not support Nancy Pelosi as House Democratic leader if elected.

Gray's campaign website identified his policy priorities as jobs & wages, healthcare, and education. It also emphasized his experience and what he called his "unique position to win in November." Gray has received an endorsement from the Victory Fund, which supports LGBTQ candidates running for office. He said he was encouraged to run by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), but he did not receive an official endorsement.

Click here for more information on the Democratic primary.

Click here for more information on the general election.

Biography

Email editor@ballotpedia.org to notify us of updates to this biography.

Jim Gray earned a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University in 1975 and served as a Loeb Fellow at Harvard University. His professional experience includes working as CEO of Gray Construction.

Gray was a 2016 Democratic candidate who sought election to the U.S. Senate from Kentucky.

Issues

Urban development

Downtown revitalization was a focal point for Gray during his first term. This included plans for a 46 acre downtown arts and entertainment district and a now suspended effort to revitalize the city's major entertainment and sports complex, Rupp Arena. Gray argued that downtown revitalization will help stimulate the city's economy. In regards to the renovation up Rupp Arena, for example, he stated, "This project goes far beyond our city limits [...] we can take the next step forward to elevate our brand, and grow jobs and economic opportunity."

Elections

2018

See also: Kentucky's 6th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Kentucky District 6

Incumbent Andy Barr defeated Amy McGrath, Frank Harris, Rikka Wallin, and James Germalic in the general election for U.S. House Kentucky District 6 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Andy Barr (R)	51.0	154,468
		Amy McGrath (D)	47.8	144,736
		Frank Harris (L)	0.7	2,150
		Rikka Wallin (Independent)	0.3	1,011
	Submit photo	James Germalic (Independent)	0.2	523

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 302,888
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Mikel Bradley (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 6

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 6 on May 22, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Amy McGrath	48.7	48,860
		Jim Gray	40.5	40,684
		Reggie Thomas	7.2	7,226
		Geoff M. Young	1.6	1,574
		Daniel Kemph	1.2	1,240
	Submit photo	Theodore Green	0.8	835

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 100,419
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 6

Incumbent Andy Barr defeated Chuck Eddy in the Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 6 on May 22, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Andy Barr	83.8	40,514
		Chuck Eddy	16.2	7,858

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 48,372
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Endorsements

Click [show] to view endorsements issued in this race.
Democratic primary endorsements Endorsement Gray McGrath Thomas Individuals Nancy Jo Kemper, 2016 Democratic candidate for District 6 ✔ Seth Moulton, U.S. representative from Massachusetts ✔ Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. senator from New York ✔ Organizations Lexington Herald-Leader ✔ United Steelworkers ✔ Victory Fund ✔ VoteVets PAC ✔ With Honor Fund ✔

Campaign finance

On May 2, the candidates disclosed the following campaign finance information:

• Amy McGrath had raised more than $2 million and had more than $300,000 in cash on hand.
• Jim Gray had raised more than $1.3 million and had nearly $440,000 in cash on hand.
• Reggie Thomas had raised about $330,000 and had less than $15,000 in cash on hand.

On April 5, 2018, Jim Gray's campaign announced that he raised $790,000 in the first quarter of 2018 and $1.13 million since he began his campaign in December. McGrath's campaign later announced that she raised $587,000 in the first quarter and was at almost $1.7 million in total. Thomas raised about $61,000 in the first quarter and was at about $230,000 in total.

The table below contains data from FEC Quarterly January 2018 reports. It includes only candidates who have reported at least $10,000 in campaign contributions as of December 31, 2017.

Democrats

Campaign advertisements

On May 18, Gray released an ad criticizing McGrath for not living in the district until 2017.

"Honor," released May 18, 2018

"Tanya," released May 5, 2018

"Stand," released April 25, 2018

"Pothole," released April 2, 2018

"Grayisms," released April 2, 2018

"Jim Gray for Congress" - Jim Gray campaign ad, released January 29, 2017

2016

See also: United States Senate election in Kentucky, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated Kentucky's U.S. Senate race as safely Republican. Incumbent Rand Paul (R) defeated Jim Gray (D) and Billy Ray Wilson (Write-in) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Paul defeated James Gould and Stephen Howard Slaughter in the Republican primary, while Gray defeated six other challengers to win the Democratic nomination. The primary elections took place on May 17, 2016.

U.S. Senate, Kentucky General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Rand Paul Incumbent	57.3%	1,090,177
	Democratic	Jim Gray	42.7%	813,246
	N/A	Write-in	0%	42
Total Votes				1,903,465
Source: Kentucky Secretary of State

U.S. Senate, Kentucky Republican Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Rand Paul Incumbent	84.8%	169,180
James Gould	8.3%	16,611
Stephen Slaughter	6.9%	13,728
Total Votes		199,519
Source: Kentucky State Board of Elections

U.S. Senate, Kentucky Democratic Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Jim Gray	58.7%	240,598
Sellus Wilder	12.9%	52,729
Ron Leach	9.5%	39,026
Tom Recktenwald	5.3%	21,910
Grant Short	5.3%	21,558
Jeff Kender	4.9%	20,237
Rory Houlihan	3.3%	13,585
Total Votes		409,643
Source: Kentucky State Board of Elections

2014

See also: Lexington, Kentucky municipal elections, 2014

The city of Lexington, Kentucky held mayoral elections on November 4, 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014. In the primary, incumbent Jim Gray and Anthany Beatty, Sr. advanced past Danny Mayer. Gray defeated Beatty in the general election.

Lexington Mayoral General Election, 2014
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Jim Gray Incumbent	65.2%	57,897
Anthany Beatty, Sr.	34.8%	30,854
Total Votes		88,751
Source: Fayette County Clerk's Office - Official 2014 Election Results

Lexington Mayoral Primary Election, 2014
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Jim Gray Incumbent	56.6%	25,439
Anthany Beatty, Sr.	37.9%	17,033
Danny Mayer	5.5%	2,459
Total Votes		44,931
Source: Fayette County Clerk's Office - Official 2014 Election Results

2010

In the 2010 general election for mayor, Gray defeated incumbent Jim Newberry and Will McGinnis.

Mayor of Lexington, 2010
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Jim Gray	53.3%	42,856
Jim Newberry Incumbent	46.7%	37,560
Will McGinnis	0%	19
Total Votes		80,435
Source: Fayette County Clerk - Official 2010 Election Results

Campaign themes

2018

Gray's campaign website stated the following:

“	#1: PROTECT AND FIX HEALTHCARE Jim Gray will fight for all Kentuckians to have access to quality, affordable healthcare. The Affordable Care Act wasn’t perfect and needs to be improved, but we cannot go back to a time when the insurance companies called the shots and denied coverage for pre-existing conditions. There are bipartisan solutions to give families more options and keep costs down. Jim also believes women should continue to be in control of their healthcare decisions. Opioids and other drugs are the modern plague that is bringing death and heartbreak to our families, friends, neighbors and affecting our communities as well. Too many lives have been lost to drug overdose, and it’s time for us to meet this crisis head-on. We must attack this issue from all sides, prevention, treatment and recovery, and attacking the supply. Substance abuse treatment and recovery is only possible through effective and ongoing care. Addiction is a disease, and we cannot treat this disease by putting those who are suffering in our already crowded prisons. And Congress should either legalize medical marijuana for the entire country or get out of the way and let states decide how to regulate and tax cannabis. We have many critical care needs in this country, including treating opioid addiction and other serious ailments, and medical marijuana should be allowed for doctors to prescribe. #2: IMPROVE OUR ECONOMY AND JOBS Growing up in small town Kentucky, Jim Gray’s first jobs were cutting tobacco on the family farm and swinging a hammer at one of his father’s construction sites. It taught him there are no short cuts, but when you put in the work, you can do big things. Because of his experience in business and as mayor, he understands that a job gives purpose and meaning to life, and outside of family, faith and health, a good job is one of the most important things in life. That means our elected officials must focus on policies and programs that encourage job creation and opportunities to earn a better life, including: reducing income inequality through fair tax reform focused on helping working families, supporting efforts to raise the minimum wage to a living wage and leveling the playing field through initiatives like equal pay for equal work and paid leave. America also has to encourage and make investments in our infrastructure. High speed internet is the 21st century’s connection to the global economy – much like rivers in the 18th century and railroads in the 19th and interstate highways in the 20th. Without it, we’re left behind. We also have to get serious about rebuilding our nation’s roads, bridges, ports and other critical infrastructure. We’ve been talking and talking – it’s time to get it done. Through his own work in business and public service Jim understands the importance of supporting local businesses – big and small – to expand their local and international business. That translates into supporting trade agreements that are fair and promote Kentucky businesses and workers in agriculture, manufacturing, service sectors and more. He also knows how important it is to fight for competition by making sure corporate acquisitions and mergers are not creating more monopolies in American business. Big telecom has a terrible record with customers in Lexington – rate hikes, poor customer service and outright dissatisfaction. Jim has worked for years to find a competitor for high speed internet and cable TV service – and did so in 2017. Congress needs to take deliberate action so customers are not stuck with little to no competition and state and local governments have no control to fix the problems the lack of competition creates. And finally, our immigration system should be reformed in a way that is tough, practical and compassionate. The United States is a nation of immigrants. Republicans in Washington used to agree with that. Jim supports a bipartisan solution that would increase security on our borders and restore the rule of law while still championing America’s role as a melting pot where hard-working immigrants can contribute to the American economy. He also believes that DREAMers should be protected. They were brought to this country as children, they know no other home. #3: FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY YOURS Social Security and Medicare are programs you, your families and your neighbors pay into, and Jim will fight any effort by Washington politicians to cut those programs. We made a promise to our nation’s seniors through social security, and we ought to keep that promise. And they shouldn’t have to live in fear they will lose their Medicare benefits. Jim believes Americans should have the right to vote, but some states have taken steps to make it harder for minorities and lower income people to vote.1 We should stop creating barriers to voting and promote participation. He is committed to defending the country and our elections from terrorists and foreign adversaries that want to spread chaos and threaten our way of life. It’s also critically important to put a stop to the practice of unfair gerrymandering, and he would support efforts to ensure that districts are drawn fairly and people are well represented. Jim stands up for equality, believing that all men and women were created equal and they should be treated that way, with opportunity and dignity for everyone. As mayor, he led by example. Not only is he openly gay, as mayor he also ensured that his administration included a diverse group of people proportional to the demographic make-up of Lexington, including more than half of the mayor’s administration’s appointees are women. Jim also appointed the city’s first black fire chief in 2011, the first female fire chief in 2016 and the city’s second black chief of police this year. Additionally, Jim worked with community leaders and the police to create and fund the policy that requires body cameras for police officers with emphasis to build trust in the community. And at a time when nearly everything is digital, Jim will support returning to Net Neutrality and protecting internet privacy. Big companies shouldn’t be able to charge you more based on what websites you visit, content you look at, or platform you’re utilizing, and they certainly shouldn’t be slowing down service or playing favorites. The internet should be free and open to everyone, and Jim will work to ensure that it is run in a safe and fair manner, without allowing telecom lobbyist sand companies to pull the strings. #4: IMPROVING EDUCATION AND AMERICA’S FUTURE Jim knows a good job starts with a good education. He is a believer in supporting excellent teachers and strong public education. Kentucky’s children should never have to view cost as a barrier to a quality education. Students need educational opportunities that address their specific learning needs and are not just tied to test scores. Whether they plan to enter the workforce after high school or go to college, our students should be able to view our educational systems as a path to pursue the careers of their dreams. And Jim believes those careers shouldn’t start with mountains of student debt. One of the biggest problems facing our students is the rising cost of tuition and the fact that student loan debt actually exceeds credit card debt in America.1 We need to work to make a college education affordable for every American that wants one. We also owe it to those who have already graduated to help them manage and pay off their student loan debt. From early childhood to adult education and workforce training, relevant and practical learning opportunities are essential to ensure that all Kentuckians succeed in work and life. That’s why Jim partnered with Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer to start an initiative to focus on expanding Kentucky’s manufacturing presence with an emphasis on workforce training to get workers ready for these good jobs. He will support making technical and workforce training investments a priority. #5: STOP THE ATTACKS AGAINST OUR DEMOCRACY National Security: It is critical we have leaders in Washington who will defend America from her enemies and protect American sovereignty, especially at the ballot box. The U.S. must not shrink from its responsibilities and obligations in securing a more peaceful and engaged world community. And as we create opportunity here at home, we must continue our leadership in creating greater economic opportunity abroad. Jim believes in smart and strong diplomacy that can support and strengthen our alliances, from efforts to fight global terrorism to strengthening emerging democracies to building greater prosperity among the community of nations. Our government has no greater responsibility than to protect our citizens. Jim believes it is essential that we continue to work with long-time allies and partners across the globe to present a unified front against international threats, most pressingly the dangers presented by international terrorism. Domestically, we’ve witnessed a rise in mass shootings – including the recent school shootings. Jim believes that it’s insane that Washington isn’t treating this like the crisis it is. He says we have to get real about the responsibilities that come with our rights because this cycle of insanity, where the once unthinkable becomes acceptable, is not what Americans deserve. It won’t stop unless we stop it. Jim also believes big corporate money in campaigns and politics is destroying our Democracy. Getting this cash out of politics is a top priority and he supports a constitutional amendment that would end the Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United ruling. Term limits for Congress are needed because Jim knows Kentuckians are fed up with Washington and career politicians like Andy Barr. Lexington has term limits for Mayor and the City Council, and Jim has seen that it works first hand. Jim will work to end violence against women. We have seen too many troubling and mixed messages from Washington about how we approach violence against women. Public policy in American too often fails to protect women. Laws need to change to ensure women feel safe and equal in the workplace and at home. Sexual assault on and off college campuses is a serious public health and safety issue as is domestic violence. Locally, Jim has supported non-profit organizations that do so much good work, but Congress can step up and do more. #6: SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AND VETERANS Both of Jim’s parents were World War II veterans. He knows how proud they were of their service to this country, and he is proud to support all those who served our country. Jim believes we owe our active duty and reserve troops as well as our veterans enormous gratitude. It’s a requirement to show them support during their service and after which means ensuring they get the benefits and care they earned. Supporting and fixing problems in the Veterans Administration (VA) system is a top priority. Jim believes no veteran should have to wait for the care they need. But we shouldn’t allow this as an excuse to impose an extreme agenda and privatize the entire VA. Veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention initiatives are critical because risk for suicide is higher for veterans than civilians. This is a crisis, and they need Congressional support for a smooth transition from active duty to the civilian world.1 Jim fully supports federal efforts to help veterans find work when they return to civilian life. As Mayor, Jim has managed similar efforts to connect those in need with service providers’ placement services so they can get back on their feet and live independent and happy lives. #7: BEAT ANDY BARR AND SEND SOME ADULT SUPERVISION TO WASHINGTON It’s time we send Washington and Wall Street a message: Andy Barr’s time is up; the people of Kentucky want their seat back. Washington is broken. The nation is in crisis, and members of Congress are only worried about their donors and themselves. We can do better. One party is controlling Washington today, and they’ve made their agenda perfectly clear: cut healthcare, give irresponsible tax breaks to their wealthy donors and further divide America. Andy Barr lacks the courage to stand up for what’s right, and it’s time to send him packing. It’s time for an independent Kentucky voice in Washington; a voice that stands up for Kentuckians and not special interests. Our leaders must have the guts to lead when evil rears its head – whether it’s sexism, racism, domestic violence or school shootings. Enough is enough. D.C. could use some adult supervision. Jim Gray’s experience and record of getting results put him in a unique position to win in November. Gray beat Rand Paul, an incumbent U.S. Senator, in our district in 2016. Jim earned 31,000 more votes than the last time a Democrat held this congressional seat in 2012, and Gray outperformed the 2012 and 2016 Democratic Presidential tickets by 41,000 votes.1 Jim did it with strong support in our counties, towns and cities across the district. To win in 2018, it will take a candidate who cares about people and fights for policies that will get America back on track. But winning also requires local support, trust and a candidate who can earn the same strong support Jim Gray was able to achieve in 2016.	”
—Jim Gray for Congress

2016

The following issues were listed on Gray's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

“	Social Security & Medicare: Jim supports measures to ensure long-term stability, raising the revenue cap is one option. And Jim will fight any measure to cut or privatize Social Security. He believes in keeping our promises to our nation’s seniors by paying what we owe and preserving these programs for our children and grandchildren. Campaign Finance Reform: Super PACs are running amok, and anonymous donors have too much control over our political system. Let’s put the American people back in charge of elections. It’s time to clean it up and get the government working for the people again. Defense & National Security: We need leaders in the Senate who understand the threat and have the strength and resolve to meet it head on. That includes supporting the military, our intelligence community, and diplomacy that unifies the world behind this mission. Intentional Education & Training: A strong education system is essential to advancing our workforce and economy. Businesses looking to expand or locate in Kentucky need to know that we can provide the workforce they need to compete and thrive. That is why investment in education and our teachers is essential. Economy & Jobs: Jim’s top priority is to grow the economy and make sure it works for all of us, especially hardworking families in Kentucky who play by the rules. Our economy has changed, and our policies need to change with it. We need to focus on growth, help small businesses thrive, revitalize manufacturing, empower startups to take off, promote innovation, invest in infrastructure and strengthen our workforce.	”
—Jim Gray's campaign website, http://grayforkentucky.com/issues/

See also

• Kentucky's 6th Congressional District election, 2018
• United States Senate election in Kentucky, 2016
• Lexington, Kentucky
• Lexington, Kentucky mayoral election, 2014
• United States municipal elections, 2014

External links

• Search Google News for this topic
• Office website
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• Office Twitter page
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook page
• Campaign Twitter

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Jim Newberry	Mayor of Lexington 2011-2019	Succeeded by Linda Gorton