Progressive Democrat and former Kentucky State Representative. Born October 20, 1984, in Louisville's West End (one of state's poorest zip codes). Lifelong Louisville resident. State House representative for 43rd District (2019-2021), Kentucky's youngest Black state lawmaker at the time. Appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear to lead Governor's Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and Community Involvement (January 2023-September 2025). Type 1 diabetic who rationed insulin due to inability to afford medication. Experienced homelessness. Founded Hood to the Holler grassroots organization after 2020 Senate primary loss to mobilize voters across racial, geographic, and class lines.
Lifetime resident of Louisville's West End, one of state's poorest zip codes. Experienced poverty, homelessness, and insulin rationing as Type 1 diabetic. Mother and father both had difficult circumstances. Educational path and professional growth led to state House service at age 34 (2019). Became youngest Black state lawmaker while serving. Lost 2020 Senate Democratic primary to Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath (who then lost general to McConnell). Won 2022 Democratic Senate primary as first Black major party nominee for U.S. Senate in Kentucky history, but lost to Republican Sen. Rand Paul. Appointed to Beshear's faith-based office where he resigned September 2025 to focus on 2026 Senate campaign. Married to Tanesha Booker; has three daughters.