Susan Westrom
Susan Westrom (Democratic Party) was a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, representing District 79. She assumed office in 1999. She left office on January 1, 2023.
Westrom (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Kentucky House of Representatives to represent District 79. She did not appear on the ballot for the Democratic primary on May 17, 2022.
Biography
Westrom's professional experience includes working as a real estate agent with Keller Williams Bluegrass. Westrom has served as a member of the Kentucky Jumpstart Advisory Board, Community Council on Women's Health, Kentucky Organization for Foster Youth Advisory Panel, Kentucky United for Children and Families, Lexington Forum, and the Midway College Center for Women & Leadership Advisory Board.[1]
Committee assignments
Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.
2021-2022
Westrom was assigned to the following committees:
- House Banking and Insurance Committee
- House Enrollment Committee (decommissioned)
- Health and Family Services Committee
- Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations Committee
- House Transportation Committee
2019-2020
Westrom was assigned to the following committees:
- House Appropriations and Revenue Committee
- House Agriculture Committee
- House Enrollment Committee (decommissioned)
- House Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee
2017 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:
| Kentucky committee assignments, 2017 |
|---|
| • Agriculture |
| • Appropriations and Revenue |
| • Enrollment |
| • Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations |
2015 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Westrom served on the following committees:
| Kentucky committee assignments, 2015 |
|---|
| • Appropriations and Revenue |
| • Enrollment, Chair |
| • Health and Welfare |
| • Licensing and Occupations, Vice Chair |
| • Local Government |
| • Appropriations and Revenue |
| • Health and Welfare |
| • Licensing and Occupations |
| • Local Government |
2013-2014
At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Westrom served on the following committees:
| Kentucky committee assignments, 2013 |
|---|
| • Agriculture and Small Business |
| • Appropriations and Revenue |
| • Enrollment, Chair |
| • Health and Welfare |
| • Licensing and Occupations, Vice chair |
2011-2012
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Westrom served on the following committees:
| Kentucky committee assignments, 2011 |
|---|
| • Agriculture and Small Business |
| • Appropriations and Revenue |
| • Enrollment |
| • Health and Welfare |
| • Licensing and Occupations |
| • Agriculture |
| • Appropriations and Revenue |
| • Health and Welfare |
| • Licensing and Occupations |
2009-2010
In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Westrom served on the following committees:
| Kentucky committee assignments, 2009 |
|---|
| • Agriculture and Small Business |
| • Enrollment |
| • Health and Welfare |
| • Licensing and Occupations, Vice chair |
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2022
See also: Kentucky House of Representatives elections, 2022
General election
General election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79
Chad Aull won election in the general election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Chad Aull (D) | 100.0 | 9,215 |
| Total votes: 9,215 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79
Chad Aull defeated Justin Bramhall in the Democratic primary for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Chad Aull | 86.9 | 2,790 |
| Justin Bramhall | 13.1 | 422 | ||
| Total votes: 3,212 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Susan Westrom (D)
2020
See also: Kentucky House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
General election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79
Incumbent Susan Westrom defeated Jon Larson in the general election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Susan Westrom (D) | 63.9 | 13,866 |
 | Jon Larson (R) | 36.1 | 7,838 | |
| Total votes: 21,704 | |||
| = 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 Susan Westrom advanced from the Democratic primary for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Justin Bramhall (D)
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Jon Larson advanced from the Republican primary for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79.
2018
General election
General election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79
Incumbent Susan Westrom defeated Joshua Irvin in the general election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Susan Westrom (D) | 67.0 | 11,732 |
 | Joshua Irvin (R) | 33.0 | 5,769 | |
| Total votes: 17,501 | |||
| = 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
Democratic primary for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79
Incumbent Susan Westrom advanced from the Democratic primary for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79 on May 22, 2018.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Susan Westrom |
| ||||
| = 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. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79
Joshua Irvin advanced from the Republican primary for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79 on May 22, 2018.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Joshua Irvin |
| ||||
| = 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. | ||||
2016
Elections for the Kentucky House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on May 17, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was January 26, 2016.
Incumbent Susan Westrom defeated Ken Kearns in the Kentucky House of Representatives District 79 general election.[2][3]
| Kentucky House of Representatives District 79, General Election, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic |  Susan Westrom Incumbent |
59.36% | 11,909 | |
| Republican | Ken Kearns | 40.64% | 8,155 | |
| Total Votes | 20,064 | |||
| Source: Kentucky State Board of Elections | ||||
Incumbent Susan Westrom ran unopposed in the Kentucky House of Representatives District 79 Democratic primary.[4]
| Kentucky House of Representatives District 79, Democratic Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Democratic | Susan Westrom Incumbent (unopposed) | |
Ken Kearns ran unopposed in the Kentucky House of Representatives District 79 Republican primary.[5]
| Kentucky House of Representatives District 79, Republican Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Republican | Ken Kearns (unopposed) | |
2014
Elections for the Kentucky House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was January 28, 2014. Incumbent Susan Westrom ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Ken Kearns II defeated George G. Myers in the Republican primary. Westrom defeated Kearns in the general election.[6][7][8]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Susan Westrom Incumbent |
61.4% | 8,473 | |
| Republican | Ken Kearns II | 38.6% | 5,321 | |
| Total Votes | 13,794 | |||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
|---|---|---|
|
Ken Kearns II |
56.2% | 1,234 |
| George Myers | 43.8% | 960 |
| Total Votes | 2,194 | |
2012
Westrom won re-election in the 2012 election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 79. She ran unopposed in the Democratic primary on May 22, 2012, and defeated Chris Logan (R) in the general election on November 6, 2012.[9][10]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Susan Westrom Incumbent |
55.2% | 8,988 | |
| Republican | Chris Logan | 44.8% | 7,293 | |
| Total Votes | 16,281 | |||
2010
Westrom's opponent in the November 2 general election was Constitution candidate Robert Thornsberry. According to official results, Westrom defeated Thornsberry by a margin of 7,226 to 2,737.[11]
| Kentucky House of Representatives, District 79 General Election (2010) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | |||
| Susan Westrom (D)
|
7,226 | |||
| Robert Thornsberry (C) | 2,737 | |||
Westrom ran unopposed in the May 18 Democratic primary election.[12]
2008
On November 4, 2008, Westrom was re-elected to the 79th District Seat in the Kentucky House of Representatives with no opposition.[13] She raised $78,006 for her campaign.[14]
| Kentucky House of Representatives, District 79 (2008) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Susan Westrom (D)
|
13,094 | 100% | ||
Campaign themes
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Susan Westrom did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2020
Susan Westrom did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Susan Westrom completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Westrom's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Three priorities at this time: Tax modernization Fully fund Kentucky Schools Fully fund state employee and teacher pensions
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I am passionate about professional honesty and full disclosure of how federal funds are spent at the state and local level. I discovered that misuse of funds designated for Federal Government Programs had been covered up by leaders from the local level to the top in state government for years. This is such a disturbing story and the realities so shameful that after failing to prevent the malfeasance of office through legislation that became watered- down to a meaningless level, I realized I am just one person. I suspect there will always be politicians in every state willing to do anything to get re-elected by turning a blind eye when corruption is found in their backyard. Public policy and office holder accountability is vital for a country or state to thrive, and if corruption is covered up, we all lose. When Federal Funds are not managed appropriately, those who benefit from this activity will provide cover for any person involved. After 20 years in office, I will retire at some point knowing all the quality legislation I have successfully passed will be meaningless until fresh faces with a moral compass replace those who remain in office with their names on roads and buildings.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I so admire Governor Martha Layne Collins, the first and only female woman elected as Governor in Kentucky.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
It is impossible to understand the depth and breadth of growth that is required to become an effective legislator who does more than take up space. You learn there is no such thing as "enough hours in the day" and as a public servant the demands do not get easier, but more challenging as people learn they can trust you to take action when needed.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I have been successful because I know how to listen, how to problem solve and understand that people are people are people.....I do not classify people by how important they are or believe they are. I never stop learning and growing and will always possess the desire to make our world a better place.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Core responsibilities begin with the acceptance and knowledge that there is no job description for the journey ahead and you are there for the people first...not yourself. You are the only person responsible for the growth you will make as an effective public servant. If you do nothing, you should get out of the way.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I hope my legacy is to have shoes a newcomer has the courage to fight to fill so my people continue to be well served.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
The murder of JFK. I was probably in kindergarten.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
I started babysitting in sixth grade to earn money for school clothes . We had a large family with a small level of financial security and I babysat until I was able to travel to a job.
What happened on your most awkward date?
My most awkward date was a blind date. The poor man was expecting a voluptuous, beautiful, statuesque blonde. It was just me who opened the door. This gentleman was so easy to read that I laugh about it to this day.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Christmas. I love having my family close and so many memories are cherished from those times together.
What is your favorite book? Why?
I read copious amounts and cannot choose a favorite.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
No fictional character could be more fun than being me!
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
Art work and personal keepsakes and photos are is my favorite possessions in my home since they restore my sanity and keep my loved ones close.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
For the past thirty years, I have never having enough hours in the day!
Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?
There do not appear to be any differences between our chambers except leadership since both have a Republican majority and are filled with many good soldiers.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
Some of the best legislators have had incredible life and professional experiences they grew from which planted the seed to make a difference.
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
Our greatest challenge in Kentucky has always been to find people who know how to lead, are not afraid to step up to run and do not run with a first priority to get re-elected!
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
Government works best when different levels of leaders work together for the good of the state.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
Building relationships with colleagues is one of the few perks found while working to make a difference as an effective legislator. It is so wonderful to find out we do not have to have a monopoly on brains.
If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?
I chose committee assignments that appealed to me because by their level of importance to me. They all needed seasoned legislators to provide committee stability and I certainly have used my experience on each committee.
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
I have not been interested in being in leadership in the past because I knew they would hate how candid I am and fair minded.
Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
I would love to see every legislator in Kentucky have the intellect, demeanor, and passion to see Kentucky move up in all the rankings like Representative Sannie Overly who served honorably every day she was in office. Her gifts were a curse and a blessing and I hope that since she has stepped out of the arena, at some point she will find herself restored enough to tackle more challenges and continue setting an example as a responsible, respectable legislator.
Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?
No
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
After 20 years I could write a book about the many people who have allowed me to touch their lives and thus made my world change every day. I have loved being a public servant, knowing my victories have opened doors for them!
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.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Kentucky scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2022
In 2022, the Kentucky State Legislature was in session from January 4 to April 14.
- Legislators are scored on their stances on conservative fiscal policy.
- Legislators from the Louisville area are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to family issues.
2021
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show]. |
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In 2021, the Kentucky State Legislature was in session from January 5 to March 30.
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2020
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show]. |
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In 2020, the Kentucky State Legislature was in session from January 7 to April 15.
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2019
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show]. |
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In 2019, the Kentucky General Assembly was in session from January 8 through March 29.
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2018
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show]. |
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In 2018, the Kentucky General Assembly was in session from January 2 through April 14.
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2017
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show]. |
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In 2017, the Kentucky General Assembly was in session from January 3 through March 30.
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2016
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show]. |
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In 2016, the Kentucky General Assembly was in session from January 5 through April 15.
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2015
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show]. |
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In 2015, the Kentucky General Assembly was in session from January 6 through March 23.
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2014
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2014, click [show]. |
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In 2014, the Kentucky General Assembly was in session from January 7 to April 15.
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2013
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show]. |
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In 2013, the Kentucky General Assembly was in session from January 8 to March 26. Ballotpedia staff did not find any state legislative scorecards published for this state in 2013. If you are aware of one, please contact editor@ballotpedia.org to let us know. |
2012
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show]. |
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In 2012, the Kentucky General Assembly was in session from January 3 through April 9.
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See also
2022 Elections
External links
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Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Project Vote Smart - Rep. Westrom
- ↑ Kentucky Secretary of State, "Candidate Filings with the Office of the Secretary of State," accessed August 17, 2016
- ↑ Kentucky State Board of Elections, "2016 General Election Results," accessed November 25, 2016
- ↑ Kentucky Secretary of State, "Candidate Filings with the Office of the Secretary of State," accessed January 26, 2016
- ↑ Kentucky Secretary of State, "Candidate Filings with the Office of the Secretary of State," accessed January 26, 2016
- ↑ Kentucky Secretary of State, "Candidate Filings with the Office of the Secretary of State," accessed October 29, 2014
- ↑ Kentucky Secretary of State, "Official 2014 Primary Election Results," accessed October 29, 2014
- ↑ Kentucky Secretary of State, "Official 2014 General Election Results," accessed December 5, 2014
- ↑ Kentucky Secretary of State, "Official 2012 Primary Election Results," accessed March 13, 2014
- ↑ Kentucky Secretary of State, "Official 2012 General Election Results," accessed March 13, 2014
- ↑ Kentucky State Board of Elections, "Statewide Results - 2010 General Election," accessed March 13, 2014
- ↑ Kentucky State Board of Elections, "Official 2010 Primary Election Results," accessed April 30, 2014
- ↑ Kentucky State Board of Elections, "Report of 'Official' Election Night Tally Results," November 26, 2008
- ↑ Follow the Money, "General Election Results," accessed March 13, 2014
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
Kentucky House of Representatives District 79 1999-2023 |
Succeeded by Chad Aull (D) |
