After 21-years in the Kentucky General Assembly Rep. Reginald Meeks, D-Louisville, is retiring from the Kentucky House of Representatives effective Friday.
Meeks informed Gov. Andy Beshear of his immediate retirement in an effort to start the process of holding a special election to replace him.
“I want to make clear that I have not lost my desire to represent my constituents and to fight for causes dear to them and to me and to so many others across Kentucky,” Meeks said in his letter. “I instead see myself as part of a relay team, where the baton handed off to me in 2000 is now poised to be given to someone else who can move us further down the track.
Meeks said he intended to spend the years ahead focusing on his health and spending time with family.
In a statement, Kentucky House Democratic Caucus Leader Joni Jenkins said Meeks “has personified public service as well as anyone I have ever known. He was a powerful voice when he was on the Louisville Board of Aldermen, and he continued that work when he became a state representative. Representative Meeks has been a great advocate for our community and will be deeply missed. His public service may be over, but his friendship, kindness, and legacy will always endure.”
