Sen. Robin Webb (R-KY) has officially switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, marking another significant defection from the Democratic Party in recent years.
Webb, who represents Kentucky’s 18th district, announced her decision to leave the Democratic Party after serving as an elected Democrat for over two decades.
The longtime lawmaker cited the Democratic Party’s leftward movement as her primary motivation for the switch.
“First and foremost, I’m a mother, a rancher and a lawyer with deep personal and professional roots in Kentucky’s coal country,” Webb stated when explaining her decision.
She further elaborated that the Democratic Party “left me” rather than the other way around.
Webb expressed concerns about the party’s current policy direction, particularly regarding its impact on her constituents.
“As the Democratic Party continues its lurch to the left and its hyperfocus on policies that hurt workforce and economic development in my region, I no longer feel it represents my values,” Webb declared.
The senator emphasized that remaining with the Democrats had become problematic for effectively representing her district.
“It has become untenable and counterproductive to the best interests of my constituents for me to remain a Democrat,” she explained.
Webb’s political career began in 1998 when she won election to the Kentucky State House, defeating Republican opponent Ramona Gee.
Her departure represents a significant loss for Kentucky Democrats, particularly in rural areas where the party has maintained influence through union workers and coal industry support.
Republican Party of Kentucky Chairman Robert Benvenuti welcomed Webb’s decision with enthusiasm.
“Like countless other Kentuckians, [Webb] has recognized that the policies and objectives of today’s Democratic Party are simply not what they once were, and do not align with the vast majority of Kentuckians,” Benvenuti stated.
Benvenuti praised Webb’s approach to governance during her time as a Democrat, according to Fox News.
“I always respected that [Webb] approached issues in a very thoughtful and commonsense manner, and that she never failed to keenly focus on what was best for her constituents,” Benvenuti continued.
The Republican chairman expressed pleasure in officially welcoming Webb to the party.
“It is my pleasure to welcome Sen. Robin Webb to the Republican Party,” Benvenuti concluded.
The Kentucky Democratic Party responded negatively to Webb’s party switch, questioning her previous Democratic credentials.
Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge suggested that Webb’s decision reflected her true priorities.
“Senator Webb has chosen to join a political party that is currently working around the clock to take health care away from over a million Kentuckians, wipe out our rural hospitals, take food off the table of Kentucky families and take resources away from our public schools,” Elridge stated.
Elridge concluded his criticism by agreeing with Webb’s assessment of her party alignment.
“If those are her priorities, then we agree: she isn’t a Democrat,” the Democratic Party chair declared.
Webb responded to criticism by reiterating her position on the party’s direction.
“While it’s cliché, it’s true: I didn’t leave the party — the party left me,” Webb commented.
Webb’s switch continues a trend of politicians at various governmental levels changing party affiliations in recent years.
