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WAYNE ALLEN

PDT Staff Writer

U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis (R-Ky.) resigned his seat in the 4th Congressional District on Tuesday, citing family health issues.

“Recently, a family health issue has developed that will demand significantly more of my time to assist. As a result, I cannot continue to effectively fulfill my obligations to both my office and my family. Family must and will come first,” Davis said.

Lynn Sowards Zellen, spokesperson for the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office, told The Associated Press that the U.S. Constitution requires a special election be held to determine who will fill the seat. Davis previously announced he would not seek re-election at the end of his current term, later this year, and Republican Thomas Massie will face Democrat challenger William R. “Bill” Adkins in the November General Election for the his seat in the 4th Congressional District.

“We sincerely thank Congressman Geoff Davis and his family for their tremendous service to Kentucky’s 4th Congressional district and to our country. His military and political careers exemplify what it means to be a tireless and effective public servant,” Massie said.

The 4th Congressional District is comprised of Greenup, Lewis, Bath, Boone, Boyd, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Henry, Kenton, Mason, Nicholas, Oldham, Owen, Pendleton, Robertson, Scott and Trimble counties.

“The sudden news of Geoff Davis’ resignation from Congress leaves Kentucky’s 4th District without a voice as we enter critical budget and tax discussions later this fall. The Governor will call a special election and I hope that the winner of that election will be seated right away so that the citizens of Kentucky’s 4th District will have a voice as important economic decisions that will impact their lives are being decided,” Adkins said.

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 208, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.