With Louisville Democratic Rep. Al Gentry stepping away from the post, the minority House Democrats have elevated Lexington's Lindsey Burke from whip to caucus chair.
Burke is still relatively new to the chamber, having first joined the body in 2023. She has since become a spokesperson for the House Democrats on several key issues, including reproductive rights.
Burke filed a bill this year that would undo all the abortion restrictions that went into place after the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
During the 2025 session, Burke led a press conference accusing Republicans of increasingly relying on fast-track maneuvers to pass bills.
"The majority have 80% of the seats in the General Assembly. If they really believe in these measures they're passing, why are they hiding them?" she said. "Why don't they want you to know what's in them?"
Last week, Burke said she is honored to serve in her new role.
“Our work is about helping people meet their everyday needs,” she said. “Families need affordable homes, quality education, accessible health care, and the ability to put food on the table without constant worry. Those are the issues Kentuckians are talking about with us every day.”
Gentry said his move from his caucus leadership position will grant him more time to act as a senior advisor to a national leadership team preparing for a new initiative in Adaptive Golf.
Taking over Burke's previous post will be Rep. Joshua Watkins.