Kentucky's seventieth state house district is represented by Democratic Representative John Sims Jr.

Kentucky state representatives represent an average of 43,394 residents. After the 2000 Census, each member represented 40,418 residents.

About the chamber

Members of the Kentucky House of Representatives serve two-year terms and are not subject to term limits. Kentucky legislators assume office the first day of January after their election.

Qualifications

To be eligible to serve in the Kentucky House of Representatives a candidate must be:

• At least 24 years of age at the time of the election
• A citizen of Kentucky
• A resident in the state 2 years preceding the election
• A resident in the district for the last year

Salaries

Pensions

Legislative pensions in Kentucky are equal to 2.75% to 5% of the salary multiplied by the number of years served, while regular state pensions equal 1.1% to 2.5% of salary multiplied by years served. Starting in 2005, retiring legislators holding full-time jobs with the state could base their legislative pension on this higher salary, rather than their actual legislative salary.

Vacancies

If there is a vacancy in the house, a special election must be held to fill the vacant seat. The Governor must call for an election if the General Assembly is not in session. The Speaker of the House must call for an election if lawmakers are in session. All nominating deadlines for special elections are 49 days before the election.

Elections

2020

Elections for the office of Kentucky House of Representatives will take place in 2020. The general election will be held on November 3, 2020. A primary is scheduled for May 19, 2020. The filing deadline is January 10, 2020.

2018

No Republican candidates ran in the primary.

2016

Elections for the Kentucky House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on May 17, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was January 26, 2016. Incumbent Mitchel Denham, Jr. (D) did not seek re-election.

John Sims, Jr. defeated John VanMeter in the Kentucky House of Representatives District 70 general election.

Kentucky House of Representatives District 70, General Election, 2016

John Sims, Jr. ran unopposed in the Kentucky House of Representatives District 70 Democratic primary.
John VanMeter defeated James E. Johnson in the Kentucky House of Representatives District 70 Republican primary.

Kentucky House of Representatives District 70, Republican Primary, 2016

2014

Elections for the Kentucky House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was January 28, 2014. Incumbent Mitchel B. "Mike" Denham ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and was unchallenged in the general election.

2012

Elections for the office of Kentucky House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on May 22, 2012, and a general election on November 6, 2012. The signature-filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was February 7, 2012. Incumbent Mitchel Denham, Jr. (D) was unopposed in both the general election and Democratic primary.

Campaign contributions

From 2002 to 2016, candidates for Kentucky House of Representatives District 70 raised a total of $413,994. Candidates who raised money in contributions earned $31,846 on average. All figures come from Follow the Money.

Campaign contributions, Kentucky House of Representatives District 70