Lewisport native and longtime Owensboro Health nurse Wes Pate has announced his intent to run for Kentucky’s 14th District State Representative seat, saying his campaign will focus on servant leadership, unity, and community connection.
Pate, 36, said his passion for politics is rooted deeply in his family’s Hancock County history — dating back to Squire Pate, a local lawyer and early mentor to Abraham Lincoln in the 1830s.
“I live about a half mile from the old Pate House now,” Pate said. “I grew up hearing that story about Lincoln over and over, and I look at it as my motivation. If Lincoln hadn’t spent time here with my great-great-grandfather, would we be the nation we are today? That legacy inspires me.”
Pate has served on the Lewisport City Council for eight years, gaining experience with budgeting, ordinances, and community problem-solving. He said that time gave him a foundation in public service and prepared him for a larger role.
“I kind of look at that as my training time — my training wheels,” Pate said. “Now I’m ready for them to come off.”
He currently works as a registered nurse at Owensboro Health, where he’s been employed for 16 years. Pate said his work in healthcare has allowed him to build relationships across Hancock, Daviess, and Ohio counties — all of which are part of the 14th District, including portions of Maceo, Knottsville, and Whitesville.
He said the district’s current representative, Scott Lewis, is not seeking reelection.
Pate said his campaign will emphasize servant leadership and faith, values that guide his personal and professional life.
“I give all the glory to Christ. I have a servant’s heart, and I feel like this is a great opportunity to serve my community and my state,” he said. “My wife and I are both nurses, and every year we go to Honduras for a medical mission. Service is who we are. I believe a good leader is a good servant.”
Pate, who is running as a Republican, said he wants to move away from division in politics and focus on uniting people.
“In a world full of hate — from both sides of the aisle — we need more unity,” he said. “Nobody wins in division politics. I just want to be different.”
If elected, Pate said his priorities would include expanding mental health access and supporting job growth in local industries.
“My wife is studying to be a psychiatric nurse practitioner, so mental health is something we’re both passionate about,” he said. “There’s still a stigma around it, but we need to expand access to treatment and therapy.”
Pate also pointed to the closure of Century Aluminum as a reminder of how vital industrial employers are to the region.
“When Century closed, I took that personally,” he said. “That was such a hit to our community. The industries in Hancock County have provided life-changing opportunities for our families, and I want to do everything I can to protect and grow that.”
Pate said if elected, he intends to remain highly visible and accessible to residents.
“For too long, politicians come campaign and then we never see them again,” he said. “That’s not who I want to be. I plan to attend city council meetings in every community and be present. You can’t be a leader and not be in the trenches with your people.”
