Robin Webb
2009 - Present
2027
16
Robin Webb (Republican Party) is a member of the Kentucky State Senate, representing District 18. She assumed office in 2009. Her current term ends on January 1, 2027.
Webb (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Kentucky State Senate to represent District 18. She won in the general election on November 8, 2022.
On May 30, 2025, Webb announced a change in her partisan affiliation from Democratic to Republican.[1]
Biography
Webb earned her A.A.S. from Morehead State University in 1983, her B.S. from Morehead State University in 1983 and her J.D. from Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University in 1986. Her professional experience includes working as a coal miner for Ruth Contracting, attorney for the Natural Resources Cabinet of the Surface Mine Litigation Unit, attorney and Sole Practitioner and General Counsel for AEI Resources, Incorporated (later known as Horizon Natural Resources[2]).
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.
2023-2024
Webb was assigned to the following committees:
- Senate Agriculture Committee
- Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee
- Committee on Families and Children
- Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee
- Appropriations and Revenue Committee
- Health and Family Services Committee
- Natural Resources and Environment Committee
2021-2022
Webb was assigned to the following committees:
- Senate Agriculture Committee
- Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee
- Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee
2019-2020
Webb was assigned to the following committees:
- Senate Agriculture Committee
- Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee
- Senate Judiciary Committee
- Senate Natural Resources and Energy 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 |
| • Judiciary |
| • Natural Resources and Energy |
2015 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Webb served on the following committees:
| Kentucky committee assignments, 2015 |
|---|
| • Agriculture |
| • Appropriations and Revenue |
| • Judiciary |
| • Natural Resources and Energy |
| • Agriculture |
| • Appropriations and Revenue |
| • Judiciary |
| • Natural Resources and Environment |
2013-2014
At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Webb served on the following committees:
| Kentucky committee assignments, 2013 |
|---|
| • Agriculture |
| • Appropriations and Revenue |
| • Judiciary |
| • Natural Resources and Energy |
2011-2012
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Webb served on the following committees:
| Kentucky committee assignments, 2011 |
|---|
| • Agriculture |
| • Agriculture |
| • Judiciary |
| • Licensing and Occupations |
| • Natural Resources and Environment |
| • Judiciary |
| • Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations |
| • Natural Resources and Energy |
2009-2010
In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Webb served on the following committees:
| Kentucky committee assignments, 2009 |
|---|
| • Appropriations |
| • Judiciary |
| • Natural Resources and Energy |
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 State Senate elections, 2022
General election
General election for Kentucky State Senate District 18
Incumbent Robin Webb won election in the general election for Kentucky State Senate District 18 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Robin Webb (D) | 100.0 | 23,308 |
| Total votes: 23,308 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Robin Webb advanced from the Democratic primary for Kentucky State Senate District 18.
2018
- See also: Kentucky State Senate elections, 2018
General election
General election for Kentucky State Senate District 18
Incumbent Robin Webb defeated Scott Sharp in the general election for Kentucky State Senate District 18 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Robin Webb (D) | 57.8 | 21,644 |
 | Scott Sharp (R) | 42.2 | 15,823 | |
| Total votes: 37,467 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = 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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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Kentucky State Senate District 18
Incumbent Robin Webb defeated Chester Highley in the Democratic primary for Kentucky State Senate District 18 on May 22, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Robin Webb | 86.7 | 10,543 |
| Chester Highley | 13.3 | 1,623 | ||
| Total votes: 12,166 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Kentucky State Senate District 18
Scott Sharp advanced from the Republican primary for Kentucky State Senate District 18 on May 22, 2018.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Scott Sharp |
| ||||
| = 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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2014
- See also: Kentucky State Senate elections, 2014
Elections for the Kentucky State Senate 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 Robin Webb ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Tony Downey was unopposed in the Republican primary. Webb defeated Downey in the general election.[3][4][5]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic |  Robin Webb Incumbent |
62.7% | 21,533 | |
| Republican | Tony Downey | 37.3% | 12,817 | |
| Total Votes | 34,350 | |||
2010
- See also: Kentucky State Senate elections, 2010
Webb defeated Republican candidate Jack Ditty by a margin of 17,617 to 15,428 in the November 2 general election.[6]
In the May 18 primary election, Webb ran unopposed.[7]
| Kentucky State Senate, District 18 (2010) General Election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Robin Webb (D)
|
17,617 | 53.3% | ||
| Jack Ditty (R) | 15,428 | 46.7% | ||
Campaign themes
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Robin Webb did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Robin Webb completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Webb's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Education Economy Substance Abuse Crisis
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I am passionate about budget and tax policy in being fair and sound.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I admire people who respect all people, take care of the common folk, are passionate about their district, who jealously guard our Constitution and form of government and value states rights.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
I am somewhat Jeffersonian in my philosophy.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Honesty, virtue, hard work and representing all people, especially those who can not take care of themselves.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I am analytical, thoughtful and live and work alongside people in my district. My legal training and legislative experience helps me in the drafting, and reading of legislation. More importantly, in recognizing how the law will be applied, and the impact in application. I have extensive budget experience, having served as second chair of Appropriations and Revenue in the House of Representatives, where I served for ten years. I am an east Kentuckian, I know the values, needs, barriers and issues of our region. My view is a regional view and I work with all parties for the common good.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
There is awesome responsibility in representing one thirty eight of the population of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and one must take the job seriously, work hard and be out and about in the district. I enjoy being accessible to my constituency whether in my private office, the Capitol, at a ball game, festival, or the store.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I hope that my legacy is one that is remembered for helping the least of us, as my faith requires.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
I remember being in the living room as a three year old child and my mother sobbing as she sat in the floor in front of our television. President John F. Kennedy had just been shot and the news played it over and over.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first job was helping my dad on the farm and in his optometrist office. From an early age, I was working in tobacco, baling hay, working the livestock on our family farm. On Saturday mornings, I would go to his office and sort glasses, file and repair things. I helped my dad until I was in high school working for Dr. John Martin, a veterinarian in Ashland, Kentucky.
What happened on your most awkward date?
I'm just going to leave that there and be glad we didn't have camera phones back in the day. LOL
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Easter. Easter is a glorious new beginning and coincides with spring, which is full of hope and renewal.
What is your favorite book? Why?
The Bible is my go to for a road map for life, and especially during campaign season, when we need infusions of patience and forgiveness.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games, a constituent called me this character after a floor speech I gave last session. My son said that makes sense because you are an Appalachian, can shoot a bow and arrow and are a fierce force to be reckoned with. That meant a lot to me, so I guess, that is it.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My favorite thing in my home is my dad's 12 gauge Browning shotgun. We shared so many memories on waterfowl hunts through the years, and he is no longer here, so it is comforting to have around and in the field.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
A struggle to me is usually a blessing that makes you stronger. Being a single mother to two children has sometimes been a struggle, but, also the greatest gift that one could receive.
Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?
I know what the difference used to be, and that was it was the more deliberative body, as legislation was vetted in committee with all stakeholders, if it made it to the floor, civil discourse and healthy debate was welcome. That is what makes the legislative institution work as it should, and I hope it is that way again.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
It is not necessary, but, is beneficial. I have been interested in government since the sixth grade, winning the Social Studies award, I grew up in a political family (a parent in each party), knew state and federal office holders, frequented Governor's mansions and in law school was a staffer for House Leadership. My experience in legislative process and law enabled me to hit the ground running and since our work is law making and policy, being a lawyer is an asset.
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
Providing a stable economy with wage equity and security, with retirement security for our teachers and state employees, maintaining public education that is accessible and higher education that is affordable. Modernization of a tax structure that is fair and conforming to our changed economy, while making sure our budget priorities reflect our good.
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
I believe in an independent and strong legislature, as an equal branch of government. I try to protect the institution, Governors come and go, the relationship should be civil with communication, and discourse, but, not a rubber stamp, or an obstruction.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
Yes. I have legislative relationships that are like family on both sides of the aisle. Legislative sessions are intense, emotional and require time working on issues. We should all aspire, in service and as citizens to foster civil, thoughtful relationships to be successful.
If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?
My committees reflect my areas of expertise and I appreciate our leaders having the confidence in me to allow me to serve. My areas are Appropriations and Revenue, Judiciary, Agriculture, Justice, Transportation, Tobacco and Horse Farming, with having served on many task forces regarding agriculture, criminal justice, substance abuse and workforce development.
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 always keep my options open and would weigh that opportunity if and when it would arise.
Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
I owe a lot to former Representative Harry Moberly, Appropriations and Revenue Chairman, in the Kentucky House of Representatives. I had the opportunity to work as second ranking budget member and have a working knowledge of every budget sub-committee and learn every thing about the state budget.
Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?
I am quite content with serving the people of the 18th Senate District.
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?
During my tenure, I have been honored to represent the best people, from Congressional Medal of Honor winners, many war heroes, talented tradesmen and women, entrepreneurs and colorful individuals that make up the diverse cross section of our population. I enjoy hearing of how a speech I gave inspired a child, a road we built made a safer school bus ride, or how faith in an addict helped them turn their life around. These are the stories that mean the most to me.
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.
2024
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2024, click [show]. |
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In 2024, the Kentucky State Legislature was in session from January 2 to April 15.
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2023
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show]. |
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In 2023, the Kentucky State Legislature was in session from January 3 to March 30.
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2022
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show]. |
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In 2022, the Kentucky State Legislature was in session from January 4 to April 14.
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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
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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
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In 2017, the Kentucky General Assembly was in session from January 3 through March 30.
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2016
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In 2016, the Kentucky General Assembly was in session from January 5 through April 15.
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2015
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In 2015, the Kentucky General Assembly was in session from January 6 through March 23.
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2014
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In 2014, the Kentucky General Assembly was in session from January 7 to April 15.
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2013
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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
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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
Footnotes
- ↑ Kentucky Lantern, “Longtime Eastern Kentucky Democrat joins the Republican Party" accessed June 13, 2025
- ↑ High Profile Coal Operator Files for Bankruptcy Protection - See more at: http://bizlex.com/2012/03/high-profile-coal-operator-files-for-bankruptcy-protection/, Business Lexington
- ↑ Kentucky Secretary of State, "Election: 2014 General Election," 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 2010 General Election Results," accessed July 10, 2014
- ↑ Kentucky Secretary of State, "Official 2010 Primary Election Results," accessed July 10, 2014
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
Kentucky State Senate District 18 2009-Present |
Succeeded by - |
| Preceded by - |
Kentucky House of Representatives 1999-2009 |
Succeeded by - |
