The Kentucky Senate is back up to its full membership of 38 after Dr. Karen Berg, D-Louisville, was officially sworn into the State Senate on Monday following her special election victory held the same day as the June primary.
The special election was held after former State Sen. Ernie Harris, R-Prospect, retired on April 15 after 25 years, from a district that includes Oldham and part of Jefferson County.
Berg defeated Republican Bill Ferko, 24,771 to 18,705, a 57-43 percent margin, for the right to succeed Harris.
“Public service has always been one of my passions,” Berg said. “As a physician, I am excited to bring my experience and insight to the Kentucky General Assembly, and hopefully we can work on ways to bring quality, affordable health care to Kentuckians. I am ready to get to work and be a voice for the people of Senate District 26 in Oldham and Jefferson counties.”
Her victory marks the first flip of a seat to the Kentucky Senate Democratic Caucus in nearly a decade. She will be the only Jewish member of the State Senate, and the only female physician. Senate Democratic Leader Morgan McGarvey of Louisville, who attended the swearing in ceremony, expressed his eagerness to work alongside the Senate’s newest member.
“This special election victory in a traditionally conservative district highlights the desire for change we see across the Commonwealth,” McGarvey said. “Karen is the first woman physician ever elected to the Kentucky General Assembly. Our caucus is excited to work with her and advocate for policies that benefit all Kentucky families.”
The election results were officially certified Monday. Fayette Circuit Judge Ernesto Scorsone administered the oath of office. Scorsone, a former Democratic State Senator himself, is known for his advocacy in various fields, including health care, gender bias and anti-discrimination initiatives.
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