Thompson will represent 98th District

GREENUP Republican Aaron Thompson has won the race for 98th District Representative for Greenup County and parts of Boyd County, defeating Democrat Tammie Womack.

They were running for the seat previously held by Danny Bentley, who retired this year after seven years in office.

"It's been a really good campaign and we worked hard to earn every single vote we can," Thompson said. "The results speak for themselves."

Thompson has said economic development would be one of his key issues and has sited his experience and connections with state-level economic development endeavors as giving him a leg up for the benefit of the region. He said the region he will represent would be aided by partnering with the state and developing a relationship with the Cabinet for Economic Development, which is the first contact for investors or businesses seeking locations to develop. Job losses in the region make economic development even more vital and Thompson previously told The Daily Independent tax incentives are on his wish list for his district.

Thompson said he has the experience to serve, citing his time as a representative of local government for the office of the governor from 2016 to 2019, his volunteer position as board chair for Greenup County Economic Development and experience with case work and grant proposals under Congressman Andy Barr.

He also said in previous reports he wants to "get the government out of the way" in health care and to reduce state-mandated red tape hindering education.

"We need to make sure there is someone in Frankfort who can take calls and work for the area," he said, noting he is looking forward to taking on his new duties.

"I'm grateful and humbled by the support I've received across Boyd and Greenup," Thompson said. "I was blown away by the results. Now it's time to get to work in Frankfort for everyone."