David Yates

I began my legal career clerking for a federal judge, later serving as an Assistant Attorney General of Kentucky, then as an attorney for the UAW, before opening my own law practice. In 2010, I was elected to Louisville Metro Council, becoming its youngest member, and later served as Metro Council President—the youngest in the city’s history. I went on to represent Louisville in the Kentucky Senate, where I served in leadership as Democratic Minority Whip. I was sworn in as Jefferson County Clerk on October 8, 2025. Since taking office, I've stabilized operations, improved customer service, strengthened cybersecurity, and implemented efficiencies that have already saved the Clerk’s Office millions of dollars, while expanding access for voters, protecting privacy and conduction free, fair, and transparent elections.

• I deliver results. I've been doing this job for a little over six months and have already proven I can do it extremely well. The Clerk’s Office requires strong operational leadership and steady political leadership, and I bring both. Since taking office, I’ve stabilized operations, improved customer service, strengthened security, and implemented efficiencies that have saved the office millions of dollars. I understand this office inside and out, and I’m focused on delivering reliable services, protecting elections, and running a professional, accountable operation that you can trust.
• Protecting free, fair, and secure elections is the most important responsibility of the Clerk’s Office. When the President through the U.S. Department of Justice attempted to create a centralized federal voter file, I took action to stop it, becoming the first local election official to intervene using our laws and the U.S. Constitution to protect Kentucky voters. This was a bipartisan stand for local control, voter privacy, and election integrity. I believe elections should be decided by voters, not by Washington control and political gamesmanship, and I will always defend access to the ballot and the rule of law.
• Under my leadership, the Clerk’s Office is already more efficient while continuing to provide reliable service. We’re making real progress by strengthening backend systems and working closely with Frankfort to address long‑standing issues with KAVIS to reduce disruptions and create a more seamless experience for customers. I'm using my relationships across state and local government to improve collaboration. We have already done a lot and we're just getting started. We have a strong team committed to achieving long‑term improvements built on accountability, responsible budgeting, and continuous progress so the Clerk’s Office keeps getting better year after year.

       President of the Louisville Metro Council 2016 & 2017
       Louisville Business First's 2017 Forty Under 40
       University of Louisville - Political Science Department's 2016 "Outstanding Alumnus"
       Greater Louisville Inc.'s 2016 Most Valuable Policy Maker

• I am running on my record of a successful advocate and experienced public servant.
• I will continue to be accessible, listening to the needs of my constituents and work toward solutions.
• Endorsed by every single elected official within the Senate Dist.

As your next State Senator I will continue to focus on the creation of "good paying jobs" and expand on the economic momentum that we have accomplished in my current role as the Metro Council Economic Development Liaison. Kentucky is facing a serious budget shortfall and it will take an experienced political leader to work across the aisle with the Republican super-majority to prioritize spending that reflects our values. I will fight for tax reform and additional revenue sources such as expanding gaming, taxation of marijuana and steer us to better future economic prosperity.