[Spectrum News 1] State Sen. Thayer reflects on his 2 decade-plus career
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The longest-serving Republican Majority Floor Leader in Kentucky history is leaving the position to focus on business ventures after helping lead the party to a supermajority in both chambers.
State Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, did not seek reelection. He has represented Scott, Grant, Kenton and Fayette counties since 2003.
“I do feel the future of the Republican Party in Kentucky is very strong, and that was one of the many reasons I decided not to run again," Thayer said.
Known as the "Senator from Scott" during Senate proceedings, Thayer is closing the chapter on what he called a "top-five job in Kentucky state government."
“It has been a privilege to serve, and I never thought, when I moved to Kentucky, 32 years ago that I’d be given this opportunity," Thayer said.
Thayer has been floor leader for Kentucky Senate Republicans since 2013. He said one of his biggest accomplishments is working with House leadership to lower the income tax on Kentucky taxpayers.
In 2022, lawmakers passed a bill establishing yearly reductions of 0.5% on the state’s income tax if certain conditions are met.
“Every time we cut that tax rate, hundreds of millions — actually, billions of dollars — stay in the pockets of taxpayers who then get to decide how to spend it," Thayer said.
Thayer said he did not seek reelection so he could focus on his private businesses. He owns a horse racing consultant business and is a co-founder of Kentucky Senator Bourbon.
“I’ve treated the legislature as a full-time job, even though it’s not technically a full-time job," Thayer said. "In order for my companies to grow, I need to be able to devote more time to them."
Thayer will hand the role of floor leader to State Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville. Wise has been in the Kentucky Senate for 10 years and was elected to the floor leader position by his colleagues.
“I’m very excited that my colleagues have entrusted me to take on and carry the mantle of what Senator Thayer has done, but I am also looking forward to the opportunity to create the role on my own," Wise said.
Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said Thayer was skilled at managing the floor and flow of legislation but expects a smooth transition with the new leadership.
“To Senator Thayer, we owe him a lot when we start talking about all these issues because he was an integral part of getting good investments, good budgeting and tax reductions," Stivers said. "And I think that will be a smooth transition with Max."
Thayer said he's not ruling out a gubernatorial run or bid for a seat in Washington, adding he would consider running for governor if he knew he would win the Republican nomination.
“I would never shut the door to opportunities and always be willing to consider them," Thayer said.
Senator-elect Matt Nunn is filling Thayer’s seat in the Senate after winning election in November.
Lawmakers plan to reduce the income tax from 4% to 3.5% in the 2025 session.