Hart announces candidacy for 86th District State Representative

David Hart with his wife, Joy, and son, Silas.

Although the official filing date for candidates is still months away, the race for 86th District State Representative just got a little more crowded.

On Tuesday, conservative businessman and two-term Corbin City Commissioner David Grigsby Hart announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for 86th District State Representative in the May 2020 Primary election.

Hart — the 39-year-old General Manager and Director of Operations for Hart’s Cycle Sales and Hart’s Motorsports — said he wants to bring the same common-sense approach to state government that he uses every day in his family, business and as a city commissioner.

“I’m proud to be a rural, pro-gun, pro-life, conservative Kentuckian who believes the people of the 86th District deserve a strong, dedicated, decisive and vocal Representative in Frankfort,” Hart said. “Running for State Representative is not a decision I’ve made lightly. I’ve prayed about it often and feel led to serve my district to the best of my ability.”

Jim Stewart III, a Republican who has represented the district since January of 1997, has announced he won’t seek re-election. Hart is the third person to announce he intends to seek the GOP nomination for the seat. Fellow city commissioner, and Shep’s Place co-owner, Brandon Shepherd has announced as well as pharmacy intern Scotty Reams. Hart and Shepherd both live in the Knox County portion of Corbin. Reams lives in southern Laurel County. The district covers Knox and a portion of Laurel County.
A 1998 graduate of Corbin High School, Hart has been in business for the past 19 years. He is married to Joy Hart, and the couple has one son, Silas.

Hart is currently serving in his second term on the Corbin City Commission, and said his interest in seeking political office is simple.

“I love my community, and I want to see it continue to progress and grow. I believe through solid decision-making and good stewardship, Kentucky has a bright future. I want to be a part of that.”

Hart said if elected he’d like to look at tax reform that shades more toward consumption taxes and away from personal income taxes, review and remove any unnecessary regulations on business and study ways to raise state revenue in order to help tackle the public employee pension crisis.