Teachers make small gains in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – At least nine current or former teachers have won seats in the Kentucky legislature eight months after educators closed nearly two dozen school districts to protest changes to their pension system.

At least 36 current or former teachers were on the ballot. But the “blue wave” Democrats had hoped for failed to materialize. At least 20 of the teacher candidates, most of the Democrats, lost.

Unofficial returns show two teachers defeated Republican incumbents in the House of Representatives. Tina Bojanowski defeated GOP Rep. Phil Moffett in District 32. Meanwhile Democrat Jim Glenn was ahead by just one vote against Republican D.J. Johnson in District 13. Johnson told The Associated Press he plans to ask for a recanvass in the district.

Republicans appeared poised to maintain their majorities in the state House and Senate.