The 2018 Emerge Kentucky Class will begin formal classes on January 27th. The program trains Democratic women to run for public office. Emerge Kentucky is part of a nationwide program that began in 2005.

According to the Emerge Kentucky press release, "The Class of 2018 features 30 women from 19 cities, 17 different counties, with 18 women already filed to run for office this cycle."

One member of the Class of 2017 is on the ballot. Abigail Barnes is a graduate of the Class of 2017. Barnes lives in Salem Kentucky and is running to unseat 4th District incumbent Lynn Bechler a resident of Marion. She is a practicing attorney. Bechler is a retired aerospace engineer. Emerge Kentucky Class of 2017 visits Paducah

Charlotte Goddard of Hickory is running in the 2nd House District for the seat currently held by Richard Heath, who has yet to file. At left, Goddard signs her candidate papers as her family looks on. Photo courtesy of Berry Craig.

Martha Emmons, a resident of Paducah, is running for the seat held currently by Gerald Watkins. Watkins is leaving the House to run for Paducah City Commission.