Senator Steve West represents the families of District 27, which includes Bourbon, Fayette (Part), Fleming, Harrison, Mason, Nicholas, Robertson, and Rowan Counties.
Since his first election in 2015, Steve West has focused on improving infrastructure, education, and the economic well-being of his district. Steve is known for sponsoring key legislation, including securing a $39 million investment for the Kentucky Horse Park, a project aimed at revitalizing the iconic equine and tourism facilities in the state.
$40 million Presented to the Kentucky Horse Park: Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer and Sen. Steve West present a ceremonial check to Kentucky Horse Park President Lee Carter (left), Commission Chair Alston Kerr and Chairman of the Board of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Clay Green (right). May 21, 2024. Photo Credit: Kerry Howe, Marketing Director, Kentucky Horse Park.
Steve West has also emphasized the importance of early childhood literacy through Senate Bill 156, which established a statewide reading research center to improve reading proficiency across Kentucky, and Senate Bill 9, also known as the Read to Succeed Act, which supports evidence-based early literacy instruction.
Statewide Reading Research Center: Kentucky state educational leaders came together at Bourbon Central Elementary School to discuss literacy instruction across the Commonwealth and unveil a new statewide reading research center. From left to right in the top row: Incoming Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher, Sen. Stephen West, Rep. James Tipton and Bourbon County Superintendent Larry Begley. From left to right in the front row: KDE Chief Academic Officer Micki Ray, Interim Commissioner of Education Robin Fields Kinney, Statewide Reading Research Center Director Amy Lingo and University of Louisville Provost Gerry Bradley. June 3, 2024. Photo Credit: Crystal Sicard, Kentucky Department of Education.
Steve West has also been a strong advocate for Kentucky’s bourbon and horse industries, having co-sponsored bills like House Bill 551, which legalized sports betting, and House Bill 5, which phases out the property tax on aging bourbon barrels—major steps to fortify the state’s signature industries.
Raised in Grant County, Steve grew up on his family’s multigenerational farm. After completing a B.A. in Communications from Eastern Kentucky University, he earned his J.D. from Chase College of Law.
Today, Steve, his wife Cindy, and their children live on a farm near Millersburg, where they raise beef cattle. Cindy is a teacher, author, and speaker who homeschools their three children: Mahayla, Caleb, and Eli. Steve’s family attends Leesburg Christian Church.
Steve is a real estate closing attorney and a member of the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of Realtors. In his free time, he enjoys working with local communities, focusing on improving education and workforce opportunities, and promoting space science initiatives at Morehead State University.