Lockett downs Corman in Jessamine-Fayette district, Dupont next

JESSAMINE/FAYETTE COUNTIES, Ky. (WTVQ) –  Republican Party insider wins out over a long-time business name in a closely watched state legislative race for an open seat in the region.

Matt Lockett, a financial advisor and chairman of the Jessamine County Republican Party, polled 3,143 votes to win the Republican primary for the 39th District State House seat, defeating railroad executive Jay Corman, who received 2,108 votes.

The district covers Jessamine and part of Fayette County.

Lockett now faces Democrat Carolyn Dupont, a history professor at Eastern Kentucky University, in November.

Dupont ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

The seat is open because incumbent Democrat Russ Meyer didn’t seek re-election.

Lockett ran well in both counties, outpolling Corman 2,778 to 1,772 in their home county and 365 to 336 in Fayette County.