Another primary challenger hopes to unseat embattled Louisville Democrat
Republished from Kentucky Lantern
Embattled Louisville Democrat Rep. Daniel Grossberg has gained a second primary challenger for his seat in the state legislature.
Cassie Lyles, a high school teacher in Jefferson County Public Schools, announced her candidacy for the 30th House District Tuesday. The primary will be held in May 2026.
“For years, I’ve been in the classroom, on the front lines, shaping young minds and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed,” Lyles said in a press release. “Now, it’s time to take that passion to a broader level. Teachers see first-hand how the decisions made in Frankfort affect Kentucky’s kids and families. Everything affecting our communities walks into our classrooms as well. We need more educators in office, and I am ready to step up.”
Lyles kicked off her campaign during a Tuesday event at the Jefferson County Teachers Association office where she was introduced by Kentucky AFL-CIO President Dustin Reinstedler and former U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth. Lyles aims to make “future of public education, workers rights, the needs of her community” a focus of her campaign.
In December, Max Morley, who has worked as a teacher in Jefferson County Public Schools and is a Democratic political adviser, announced his candidacy for the primary election.
Grossberg faced no opponent in the 2024 general election after narrowly winning his primary. However, prominent Kentucky Democrats, including Gov. Andy Beshear and House Democratic Caucus members, said Grossberg should resign following Lexington Herald-Leader investigations that detailed allegations of inappropriate behavior from Grossberg, including receiving a lifetime ban from a Louisville strip club after inappropriately touching a dancer and instances of alleged sexual harassment toward women in Kentucky politics. The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission has opened investigations into allegations against Grossberg.
Grossberg has repeatedly denied the allegations and vowed to remain in office.
The 30th House District includes central parts of Jefferson County.
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