Rick Blackwell

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Rick Blackwell

Democratic Party

Prior offices

Louisville Metro Council District 12

Successor: Jonathan Joseph

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Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Bishop David High School

Bachelor's

Bellarmine University, 1984

Graduate

Spalding University, 2018

Personal

Birthplace

Louisville, Ky.

Religion

Catholic

Profession

Educator and administrator

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Rick Blackwell (Democratic Party) was a member of the Louisville Metro Council in Kentucky, representing District 12. He assumed office in 2003. He left office on January 6, 2025.

Blackwell (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Louisville Metro Council to represent District 12 in Kentucky. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Blackwell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Rick Blackwell was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from Bishop David High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Bellarmine University in 1984 and two graduate degrees from Spalding University in 1994 and 2018. His career experience includes working as an educator and administrator.

Elections

2024

See also: City elections in Louisville, Kentucky (2024)

General election

General election for Louisville Metro Council District 12

Jonathan Joseph defeated incumbent Rick Blackwell in the general election for Louisville Metro Council District 12 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jonathan Joseph (R)	50.3	6,240
		Rick Blackwell (D)	49.6	6,149
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	16

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 12,405
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Rick Blackwell advanced from the Democratic primary for Louisville Metro Council District 12.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Louisville Metro Council District 12

Jonathan Joseph defeated Ryan Thompson and Jennifer Brown in the Republican primary for Louisville Metro Council District 12 on May 21, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jonathan Joseph	59.1	726
		Ryan Thompson	23.5	289
	Submit photo	Jennifer Brown	17.3	213

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,228
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Blackwell in this election.

2020

See also: City elections in Louisville, Kentucky (2020)

General election

General election for Louisville Metro Council District 12

Incumbent Rick Blackwell won election in the general election for Louisville Metro Council District 12 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Rick Blackwell (D)	95.9	9,060
		Other/Write-in votes	4.1	385

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,445
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Rick Blackwell advanced from the Democratic primary for Louisville Metro Council District 12.

2016

See also: Municipal elections in Louisville, Kentucky (2016)

The city of Louisville, Kentucky, held elections for city council on November 8, 2016. A primary election took place on May 17, 2016. The filing deadline for candidates who wished to run in this election was January 26, 2016. Thirteen of the 26 city council seats were up for election. Incumbent Rick Blackwell ran unopposed in the Louisville Metro Council District 12 general election.

Louisville Metro Council District 12, General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate
	Democratic	Rick Blackwell Incumbent (unopposed)
Source: Jefferson County Clerk, "2016 General Election Official Results," accessed November 30, 2016

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Rick Blackwell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Blackwell's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong southender who was raised in Valley Station and taught to proudly use Valley Station, KY 40272 as my address. I was raised in the Catholic Church, attended St. Clement parish and school, and graduated from Bishop David High School. I attended Jefferson Community College behind Stuart (now JCTC) for 2 years before transferring to Bellarmine University (college then). Later I would earn my master's and doctorate degrees from Spalding University. I started my teaching career and spent 34 years at Mercy Academy before being offered the President position at DeSales High School. I was blessed to meet and eventually marry my wife, Sherry Cook, a Valley High School graduate (and my favorite Teamster). Together we raised our son, Ryan, to appreciate south end values of hard work, care for others and pride in your community. He is a successful high school educator and head baseball coach at Manual High School. I have had the distinct privilege of being a Champion for the South End at Metro Council since its inception. I love the south end and I am truly honored to be your councilman.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I have always been an honest, strong, and dependable voice for the south end. I decided to run initially for that very reason. Most people in our community voted against merger and I wanted to be sure our voices were heard. I continue to be Champion for our South End.
• I am one of the most accessible council members, establishing a south end office, monthly Coffee with your Councilman listening sessions, and quarterly District Dialogues with government agencies. I also communicate with constituents through printed and e-newsletters and social media.
• Experience matters- As budget chair I have the opportunity to voice the concerns and hopes of our south end as we make the important decisions about how we spend your tax dollars. Being the chair means that your south end voice is included in every budget discussion from the time the process starts until we take the final votes. Over the years we have invested millions in parks & recreation, business infrastructure, health care, public safety, and transportation needs in the south end.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about public safety and I am endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police for our work together to make Louisville a safer community. I am also passionate about economic development and I have worked hard to bring millions of dollars in investment to the south end.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

Council members represent less than 30,000 constituents and only receive votes from those who live in the district. This allows me to be more connected to my constituents. They see me and talk with me at church, at local restaurants, at the grocery store, and ballgames. Local government allows for a unique opportunity to engage constituents’ concerns and hopes.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

On a personal level, my parents provided great examples to follow. My dad emphasized the importance of hard work and accountability in all that you do. My mom was one of the most faith-filled people I have ever known. Both of them loved their community and gave back to it throughout their lifetimes. I try to follow that example in my passion for education and my passion for public service.

On the political level, I have tried to serve the south end with the same type of commonsense leadership that Rep. Ron Mazzoli and Gov. Andy Beshear have used to serve the people of Kentucky. I work to build collaborative, bipartisan relationships with council members from all parts of town, and most importantly listen to the concerns of my constituents.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Servant Leader by Ken Blanchard. At its core servant leadership is putting the needs of others first and empowering others to be part of solutions. I believe being your council person is about recognizing the community’s needs and empowering individuals and groups to be part of the dialogue of how we move forward to meet them. Being voted President of the Council or being named Budget Chair is not about me but how the position helps me serve south end constituents better.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I think it is most important to be a person of integrity. I have represented District 12 with integrity and ethics, and I have been willing to hold other councilmembers accountable when they have not lived up to those ideals regardless of their party affiliation.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have a very strong work-ethic and I am not discouraged easily. It is very easy to identify issues that need to be addressed but delivering on the answers takes hard work, patience, and collaboration with other councilmembers and metro agencies. I consistently deliver for my constituents, providing millions of dollars of investment, including several projects that are currently in process: $10 million Veteran’s Village, Stts. Mary & Elizabeth’s new Birthing Center, the new playground in Waverly Park, and the Reimaging Project at the old Sylvania Community Center.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The most important responsibility is to represent all of your constituents. I am one of the most accessible councilmembers and I have been blessed to hire excellent staff members to help serve our constituents. Additionally it is your responsibility to build the relationships needed to deliver for your district. That means you have to know what is important to your colleagues and support them as well. You do not get anything accomplished as a councilmember by working alone. I have a reputation for working collaboratively with all councilmembers and building collaboration.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I do not spend much time thinking about legacy. I am proud to be a Champion for Southend concerns. I am proud of my record as an educator and a councilmember. Most importantly, I am proud of all that WE have been able to accomplish together while I have been in office.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was at Captain D’s restaurant on Southside Dr and I later transferred to the location on Dixie Highway. I worked there in high school and college for 6 years. I learned a great deal about customer service and meeting others' needs in this job.

What is your favorite book? Why?

As a lifelong learner, I read a lot, so it is hard to pinpoint a favorite. I would say David Novak’s Taking People with You is one of my favorites because it is full of practical suggestions for working better with people. Even in retirement, David continues to be a tremendous leader and mentor for others. I also really enjoyed Graham Honaker (former D11 Legislative Assistant) and Jerry Logan’s Cinderella Strategy because it is a masterful example of using key events to promote something you really care about. Both have helped me in my professional career.
· What fictional character would you be?

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have lived a pretty blessed life but my biggest struggle was being diagnosed with cancer just a few weeks after losing my mother to cancer. It was very difficult to keep a positive attitude as I struggled through treatment. My faith, family, and friends rallied behind me and helped me through a very difficult time in my life. I am blessed to be a cancer survivor.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The budget approval is without a doubt the most important function of the council. That is why it is so critical to have a South End voice in all of the budget discussions and so important that I am the Chair of the Budget Committee.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

It certainly is beneficial to have previous experience in government and politics if possible. Experience matters! I will continue to serve you without a hitch in my next 4 years. We have many issues, including the Department of Justice Consent Decree, that require a deep understanding of the issues.
Minimally I would think it beneficial to have leadership experience at your job or in the community. Leadership positions require the collaboration that is so necessary to be an effective councilmember.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Leadership skills are the most important skills for this office. I believe one needs to be a servant leader who can focus on the community needs and deliver results. I have done that consistently for District 12.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Governor Andy Beshear

Jefferson County Fraternal Order of Police
Louisville Professional Firefighters- Local 54
Better Schools Kentucky (teachers)
UAW 862
IBEW 369
Local 502: Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC Technicians
Greater Louisville Central Labor Council
Teamsters 89 & 783

Iron Workers Local 70

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe it is important for government and councilmembers to be transparent. I host public meetings in our district throughout the year, and specifically during the budget process to help constituents understand the decisions that are being made and hear their suggestions. I also believe it is important for councilmembers to be transparent and I have not hesitated to hold Democrats and Republicans accountable when they act in unethical manners.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2020

Rick Blackwell did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

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Louisville Metro Council District 12

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by -	Louisville Metro Council District 12 2003-2025	Succeeded by Jonathan Joseph (R)