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Tyra Thomas-Walker
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Tyra Thomas-Walker (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Louisville Metro Council to represent District 24 in Kentucky. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Thomas-Walker completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Tyra Thomas-Walker was born in Louisville, Kentucky. She graduated from Moore High School. She attended Jefferson College, earned a bachelor's degree from Spalding University in 2004, and a graduate degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2007. Her career experience includes working as an educator.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: City elections in Louisville, Kentucky (2024)
General election
General election for Louisville Metro Council District 24
Ginny Mulvey-Woolridge defeated Tyra Thomas-Walker in the general election for Louisville Metro Council District 24 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Ginny Mulvey-Woolridge (R)  | 51.0 | 6,138 |
 | Tyra Thomas-Walker (D) | 48.8 | 5,868 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 25 | ||
| Total votes: 12,031 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Louisville Metro Council District 24
Tyra Thomas-Walker defeated Ryan Vittitow in the Democratic primary for Louisville Metro Council District 24 on May 21, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Tyra Thomas-Walker | 58.6 | 762 |
| Ryan Vittitow | 41.4 | 538 | ||
| Total votes: 1,300 | |||
| = 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
The Republican primary election was canceled. Ginny Mulvey-Woolridge advanced from the Republican primary for Louisville Metro Council District 24.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Thomas-Walker in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Tyra Thomas-Walker completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Thomas-Walker's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Tyra Thomas-Walker, a dedicated mother, JCPS educator, JCTA Secretary, and co-chair of the Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, faced early challenges as the child of a teenage mother. Raised by her grandparents, Tyra made a pivotal choice to leave public education, marry at 18, and move to Germany, where she started a family. Returning to Louisville during her first pregnancy after he husband was deployed to Dessert Storm, she seized the opportunity to work and earn her GED. Driven by a lifelong commitment to education, Tyra pursued college while juggling full-time work and single-handedly raising two children. Breaking barriers, she became the first in her immediate family to earn a Bachelors in Business Administration, followed by a Masters in Business Administration. Later, she attained a Masters in Arts in teaching, navigating the challenges of multiple jobs and single parenthood. Today, Tyra Thomas-Walker is currently raising her three biological children along with her five nieces and nephew since the passing of her sister and mother. She is grounded in family values, and taking care of her responsibilities as the matriarch of her family. She has stated that she would not do it any other way and would do it all over again. Beyond her academic achievements and family values, Tyra is a passionate social justice activist, advocating in the community and contributing to positive change.
- As your Metro City Council Member, I will work for the people of District 24 and work diligently on crime reduction and public safety is a priority for Tyra Thomas-Walker. She will draft policies that will reduce crime in our neighborhoods, and those related to the proliferation of fentanyl on our streets. Part of reducing violent crime is by providing community resources for our youth and job opportunities for our young adults.
- Tyra Thomas-Walker is deeply invested in addressing the healthcare crisis, with a particular focus on mental health issues. To effectively tackle homelessness and drug addiction, it is crucial to prioritize and advocate for comprehensive healthcare services. By ensuring that individuals with mental health challenges receive the support they need, we can also provide crucial assistance for those struggling with addiction. Championing effective healthcare is the first step towards meaningful progress in these interconnected issues.
- As your Metro Council Member I will enhance economic opportunity that aims to reduce inequality, promote social mobility, and create a more inclusive economy. I will work on access to job markets and fair employment practices, including the availability of meaningful and well-compensated work, as well as create a Government and institutional policies that create a level playing field, such as fair labor laws, anti-discrimination measures, and social safety nets.
The are of public policy that I am personally passionate about is the management of public health services pertaining to crime reduction that is a public health issue in Louisville, KY as well as mental health and addiction. We have to serve the people and create resources that will help them not hinder them.
I deeply admire my parents and grandparents and aspire to follow in their footsteps, embodying the remarkable qualities they possessed. They instilled in me the values of love, belief, and unwavering faith in God, regardless of circumstances or outcomes. Their teachings have been a guiding light, showing me the importance of upholding strong morals and loving both family and neighbors as oneself.
From a young age, they taught me to be resilient, to set goals, and to pray over them daily. Their guidance and wisdom have profoundly shaped who I am today. Their legacy of caring for family and community has inspired me to embrace these principles wholeheartedly. It is through their example that I understand the true essence of service and dedication to both family and community.
From a young age, they taught me to be resilient, to set goals, and to pray over them daily. Their guidance and wisdom have profoundly shaped who I am today. Their legacy of caring for family and community has inspired me to embrace these principles wholeheartedly. It is through their example that I understand the true essence of service and dedication to both family and community.
An effective elected official embodies a range of characteristics and principles that contribute to their ability to serve their constituents effectively such as: integrity and being honest and transparent and taking responsibility for actions and decisions, and being open to criticism and reflecting on it. Being empathetic and displaying genuine concern for the needs and perspectives of your constituents, and approaching issues with sensitivity and a desire to improve the well-being of others. An effective elected official should be knowledgeable and understand the issues, policies, and laws relevant to their role while solving problems with effective and innovative solutions. They should ensure that policies are and decisions are just and equitable and always adhering to the law and ethical standards in all actions. An effective elected official should always be willing to collaborate and work effectively with their colleagues, community leaders, and organizations. They should be open to new ideas and willing to adjust approaches as circumstances change and handle challenges and setbacks with perseverance and a positive attitude. They should also understand fiscal responsibility, community engagement, inclusivity, and equity. By embodying these characteristics and principles, elected officials can effectively represent their constituents, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to their communities.
Reflecting on the qualities essential for success as an officeholder, I recognize that integrity is paramount. I will prioritize transparency and truthfulness in all actions and decisions, fostering trust and credibility. Taking responsibility for my actions and decisions is crucial, and I am committed to being accountable to my constituents while upholding ethical standards.
Empathy is another core value I embrace. I am deeply attuned to the needs and concerns of others, striving to understand different perspectives and address the community’s diverse needs with compassion. My dedication to serving the community’s best interests is unwavering, and I will work tirelessly to prioritize their needs and overcome challenges.
I am committed to adhering to legal and ethical guidelines, ensuring that all actions are compliant with established rules and regulations. As a rule follower, I understand the importance of upholding these standards.
The core responsibilities of someone elected to a public office are: Representation: being an advocate and a voice for the constituents you serve and understanding their needs, concerns, and priorities. They should also regularly solicit and consider feedback from the community to ensure their perspectives are reflected in decision-making. Someone elected to a public office should develop, propose, and support legislation/policies that addresses the needs and issues of the community and evaluate the impact of existing policies and proposed changes to ensure they effectively serve the public’s interest. They should always demonstrate accountability and monitor the implementation of policies and programs to ensure they are executed with fidelity and ethically. They should provide support to constituents in navigating government services and addressing individual issues or grievances and engage the community members through meetings, forums, and other channels to stay informed about local concerns. The elected official is responsible for budget and financial management and making decisions regarding the allocation of public funds, ensuring that resources are managed wisely and effectively. They should prioritize spending and investments based on the needs of the community and the strategic goal.
Focusing on these core responsibilities as well as crisis management, collaboration and partnership, leadership and vision, etc. will contribute to the welfare of their community, and uphold the principles of a democratic governance.
Focusing on these core responsibilities as well as crisis management, collaboration and partnership, leadership and vision, etc. will contribute to the welfare of their community, and uphold the principles of a democratic governance.
The legacy I would like to leave is my hard work, integrity, loyalty, and dedication to working for the people of District 24 and Louisville, KY.
The historical event that stands out in my memory is the 1980 Presidential Election between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. I was 9 years old at the time, and I vividly recall how disappointed my family and community were over Carter’s loss. It was a time of significant change and uncertainty, and the outcome was deeply felt by many.
Interestingly, our school, Dunn Elementary, held its own mock election that year. Despite the real-world result, the students at our school chose Jimmy Carter as our next President of the United States. It was a memorable moment for us, showing how even as children, we were engaged in and influenced by the political landscape of the time. The contrast between our school's choice and the national election outcome highlighted the complex nature of politics and how personal experiences can differ from broader realities.
Interestingly, our school, Dunn Elementary, held its own mock election that year. Despite the real-world result, the students at our school chose Jimmy Carter as our next President of the United States. It was a memorable moment for us, showing how even as children, we were engaged in and influenced by the political landscape of the time. The contrast between our school's choice and the national election outcome highlighted the complex nature of politics and how personal experiences can differ from broader realities.
My first job was a summer job I had at the age of 15 years where I worked at a middle school helping the custodians clean the school for the next year. It was edifying for me and created a respect for our custodians and I was conscious and I wanted to help keep my school clean throughout the year to assist the custodians. This job was just for the summer until I turned 16 and my first job at the age of 16 years old was Kentucky Fried Chicken and I worked there for 2 years. I ran track and took dance and my extracurricular activities took precedence over being employed.
The loss of my sister, mother, and my niece has been a struggle in my life.
Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KFTC), Greater Louisville Central Labor Council (GLCLC), Better Schools Kentucky (BSK), Committee for Fairness adn Individual Rights (CFAIR), Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate.
Financial transparency and government accountability are crucial for a healthy democracy and effective governance and it builds public trust when they are aware and can see where the money is going. Open financial practices reduce the risk of manipulation. When financial data is transparent, it's easier for the tax payers to see and understand how and where their money is spent as well as allowing them the opportunity to request and or make a change. There should be accountability to ensure the government officials are responsive to the needs and concerns of the public as well as promote ethical behavior by requiring officials to explain their actions and decisions. There should be audits conducted to promote improvement and effectiveness of government programs and services by identifying and addressing shortcomings, as well as keeping the public engaged and ensure participation in the political process. By prioritizing financial transparency and government accountability, elected officials can foster a more trustworthy, efficient, and responsive government. These principles not only enhance the functioning of public institutions but also strengthen the democratic process by ensuring that government actions are open to scrutiny and aligned with the public’s interests.
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See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Louisville Metro Council District 24 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 3, 2024
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