Longtime KY Democrat Abandons Party That ‘No Longer Represents My Values’ [WATCH]

Kentucky State Senator Robin Webb has officially changed her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, citing growing disconnection between rural voters and the Democratic Party’s policy priorities.

Webb, who represents Senate District 18 and was the last Democrat in the Kentucky Senate representing the state’s coalfields, announced her decision in a statement released by the Republican Party of Kentucky.

Her departure reduces the Democratic caucus in the 38-member chamber to just six members.

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“While it’s cliché, it’s true: I didn’t leave the party — the party left me,” Webb said in her statement.

“The Kentucky Democratic Party has increasingly alienated lifelong rural Democrats like myself by failing to support the issues that matter most to rural Kentuckians.”

Webb described herself as a mother, rancher, and attorney with deep ties to Kentucky’s coal country. She emphasized that her shift was driven by policy differences rather than political strategy.

“As the Democratic party continues its lurch to the left and its hyperfocus on policies that hurt workforce and economic development in my region, I no longer feel it represents my values,” Webb said.

“It has become untenable and counterproductive to the best interests of my constituents for me to remain a Democrat.”

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Webb’s transition drew praise from prominent Republican figures in Kentucky. Rep. James Comer (R-KY) and Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell both welcomed her to the party.

Big news in KY! My friend, Sen. Robin Webb, switches from Dem to GOP. Pres. Trump’s leadership is strengthening our nation & growing our party. Love working w/ Robin on ag issues—thrilled to welcome her commonsense approach to the @KYGOP! Welcome, Robin!! pic.twitter.com/x7s69WGJxa

— Jonathan Shell (@JShellKY) May 30, 2025

“Congratulations to my dear friend Sen. Robin Webb for switching parties,” Comer posted on X.

“Like so many good honest people with common sense who work hard and pay taxes, the Democrat party has abandoned them. Robin will make an excellent addition to our great Kentucky State Senate Majority!”

Congratulations to my dear friend Sen Robin Webb for switching parties. Like so many good honest people with common sense who work hard and pay taxes, the Democrat party has abandoned them. Robin will make an excellent addition to our great Kentucky State Senate Majority! https://t.co/yD5a7DemLx

— James Comer (@JamesComer) May 30, 2025

Kentucky GOP Chairman Mac Brown also released a statement welcoming Webb, calling her decision a reflection of the values shift occurring across rural Kentucky.

However, Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman Colmon Elridge criticized Webb’s move, accusing the Republican Party of pushing policies harmful to Kentuckians.

“Senator Webb has chosen to join a political party that is currently working around the clock to take health care away from over a million Kentuckians, wipe out our rural hospitals, take food off the table of Kentucky families and take resources away from our public schools,” Elridge said in a statement.

“If those are her priorities, then we agree: she isn’t a Democrat.”

KDP Statement on Sen. Robin Webb Joining the Republican Party pic.twitter.com/12x7hlG347

— Kentucky Democrats (@KyDems) May 30, 2025

Webb’s departure follows a broader trend in Kentucky and other Southern and Midwestern states, where rural Democratic voters have increasingly shifted toward Republican representation.

Her announcement further solidifies GOP dominance in the Kentucky Senate, where Republicans now hold 32 out of 38 seats.

Senator Webb was first elected to the Kentucky Senate in 2008 and previously served in the state House of Representatives.

She has long been known for her advocacy on behalf of coal communities, agricultural interests, and rural development.

Her decision marks a significant political realignment in a region once considered a Democratic stronghold but now increasingly Republican at both the state and federal levels.

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