Top Kentucky Senate Democrat to run for Pike judge-executive

The top Democrat in the Republican-led Kentucky Senate is looking to switch jobs by running for judge-executive in Pike County.

Senate Minority Leader Ray Jones said Monday he plans to run for the top position in Pike County in 2018. The Pikeville Democrat will keep his Senate seat during his campaign.

Jones has served in the Senate since 2001 and won his fifth term in 2016. Jones has been Senate minority leader for three years.

Kentucky Democrats have seen their numbers dwindle in the Senate, where Republicans hold a 27-11 advantage. The GOP also controls the state House and governor’s office.

Jones says the party’s minority status wasn’t a factor in his decision. He says he wants to combat his county’s problems from an executive-level position rather than from the legislature.

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