Higdon has been a familiar face in the halls of the Capitol since entering the House of Representatives in 2003 and then winning a seat in the Senate in 2009.
The lawmaker has chaired numerous committees, advancing major infrastructure projects, boosting pension funding, and creating the popular "Military Kids Day" event.
Higdon's business background — and his son's business, Cornbread Hemp — have been in the spotlight this year as both the elder and younger Higdon have pushed back on efforts to press pause on THC-infused beverages in the state.
Speaking on a proposed moratorium on the drinks in March, Sen. Higdon voted no, citing the negative impact on local sellers.
"This is a detriment to small business, and that's one of the reasons I'm voting no. It's already regulated, and progress is being made," he told colleagues.
Before entering politics, the senator owned and operated Higdon's Foodtown grocery in Lebanon.
He now says he's ready to exit the General Assembly after serving through one more session. His term will end in December 2026, opening up a senate seat in the state's Fourteenth District, a region of Central Kentucky covering parts of LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington counties.