Linda Belcher was elected as the new state representative for the 49th District Tuesday in a special election in Bullitt County.
Belcher will regain the seat she lost in 2016 to Dan Johnson, a first-term lawmaker who died by suicide on Dec. 13.
His death followed the release of aKentucky Center for Investigative Reporting story, which included an accusation of sexual assault by a teenage church member and detailed numerous exaggerations about his life story.
Belcher won with about 68 percent of the vote to Rebecca Johnson’s roughly 32 percent, according to the county clerk’s office.
The 49th District turnout was far lower than the 63 percent of Bullitt County voters that turned out in the last general election.
About 5,000 people voted Tuesday. The district has 31,000 registered voters.
OFFICIAL RESULTS in KY 49th House District Special Election:
— Secretary of State Alison L. Grimes (2012–2020) (@KySecofState) February 21, 2018
Linda Belcher 3,386 ☑️
Rebecca Johnson 1,561#GoVoteKY pic.twitter.com/pmc45eUJ8I
Rebecca Johnson, Dan Johnson’s wife, announced her intention to run for the seat the day after Johnson’s death. It was the first run for office for the longtime co-pastor at the Heart of Fire Church.
Belcher held the statehouse seat for six years before losing to Dan Johnson in the 2016 election.
Belcher will finish Dan Johnson’s term, which expires at the end of the year.
Both Belcher and Rebecca Johnson have already registered to run for the next term. A primary will be held in May.
Voting problems emerged at one precinct. According to WDRB, voters on five streets in the 49th District were mistakenly told at the polls that they weren’t allowed to vote.
This story will be updated.
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