Erin Petrey for Kentucky

08/25/2026

Some personal news: I’m taking a BREAK, y’all.

This will be the last time you hear from me on social media until September 25th. I’ve always dreamed of doing a digital detox, but didn’t know how to make it work. So I’ve decided to just *make* it work. Next stop: London.

08/22/2026

If you needed another reason to never set foot in a Buc-ee’s, their CEO says no more blue states, only “conservative, business-friendly” ones.

So what does that mean? More tax cuts. Less corporate responsibility. Less environmental protection. Fewer workforce protections. More union busting.

I choose to spend my money with companies that care about their people and paying their fair share, doing what’s right for people and the planet, not just corporate profits.

Buc-ee's co-founder and CEO Arch Aplin III recently said the company seeks expansion opportunities in "conservative, business-friendly states."

08/20/2026

This past weekend, Lexington experienced a tragic mass shooting in a community park. But with the condolences also came the racist comments blaming this issue on the black community. And I am shutting that down right now.

Gun violence is a uniquely American issue and we all - as Americans - own this issue. We all own the underlying policies that put black communities in these positions. From mental health to food deserts to community investment: the solutions belong to us all. And we all own finding and deploying those solutions.

As our flag says: United We Stand, Divided We Fall. We must stand united and solve these problems together, not continue to divide ourselves. So let’s get to work. 

08/19/2026

📣 LEXINGTON! 📣

Have plans for the evening of Tuesday, October 6th? Well you do now!

Join me for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council special meeting to gather input from citizens on the proposed Data Center ZOTA (zoning ordinance and text amendment).

📍 200 E. Main St.
🕰️ 5:30pm
📝 Remember to bring your ID to check in with security to get a visitor’s pass

I’ll be sure to post any updates made to the proposed ZOTA here, but you can read the current draft at: https://lexington.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15773755&GUID=04F23465-7F7F-4E38-8CA6-8788DDB705B6

📸 Following the last hearing on July 30th

08/19/2026

📣 Channeling my best Angie Nixon 📣

Last night, even Florida showed us that voters are sick and tired of the same old same old. They’re tired of the big money. They are tired of empty promises. They are tired of middle of the road politicians.

Nixon beat Vindman by over 12%. That’s not nothing.

We will now have two women go head-to-head in Florida for the Senate seat. And that’s exciting. The Democrats absolutely have an uphill battle, with more than 250K more Republicans coming out and voting in the primary. Including Donald Trump, who mailed his ballot in, but that’s a different story (see previous post).

So Florida Dems: this is a vote Blue no matter who year. This is a support Blue no matter who year. So let’s get to work for Angie.

08/18/2026

Felons can’t vote in Florida. Trump is a felon. Trump thinks mail in voting is mail in cheating. So why did felon Donald Trump mail in vote in today’s Florida primary elections? Could he vote in Kentucky? I’ll tell you everything.

08/16/2026

“This isn’t about politics; it’s about humanity.”

These are the words of ONE Lexington’s Director, Devine Carama on yesterday’s gut-wrenching mass shooting at East End Day in Lexington. I couldn’t say it any better. It’s about humanity and protecting our neighbors.

A neighborhood coming together to laugh, share food and fellowship, and celebrate was ripped apart by senseless gun violence; gun violence that claimed the precious life of a 16 year old child and injured 4 other Kentuckians. It does not have to be that way. And it should not have to be that way.

Di’Zhon Robertson should be sitting down to dinner with his family tonight, heading to school tomorrow, joking with his friends, enjoy being a teenager. Instead his light was permanently snuffed out by needless violence. We must demand better. Di’Zhon deserved better.

For Lexingtonians needing support, ONE Lexington is offering two different support sessions tomorrow, Monday, August 17th at the Dunbar Community Center (545 N Upper St). The first session will occur at 2-3:30pm for general support and the second from 5-7pm which will focus on students and youth.

Please share with anyone who would benefit from this support. And remember: it is not weak to ask for help and support. It’s the strongest, bravest thing you can do.

Devine Carama announced that the organization and community members are hosting multiple healing events to help guide those impacted by Saturday's mass shooting at Charles Young Park.

08/15/2026

I’ve spoken out about my deep concerns over the $20M no-bid contract from ICE to Lexington-based Compliant Technologies, LLC for the G.L.O.V.E.

The company says beyond police applications, they sell to EMS and healthcare workers. That means they are using this on patients.

Well the plot thickens and very much for the worse: they are now using these in schools. On children under 18.

Instead of investing more on mental health, resources for our kids, and working on eliminating the root causes of behavioral issues, they invest in weapons. This is wrong. This is happening in schools in Oklahoma but what’s to stop it from being deployed in schools right here in Kentucky?

We are on a concerning trajectory of a rapidly growing police state, where our government invests more in weapons against people than the people themselves. Police have their place, but it should be the last resort, not the default.

The Omaha Police Department spoke on the use of electric shock gloves, which school resource officers now carry.

08/14/2026

Bourbon isn’t just about booze. In fact, it’s the least important part.

Bourbon is about the community. The people. The passion. The love. The support.

Andrea Wilson of Michter's Distillery shares her personal compass and I love every part of it. And yes: always have Luxardo cherries.

Bourbon Women has been a vital part of my life since 2017. I’ve met lifelong friends, found family, and mentors. Every moment brings inspiration, joy, support, and wisdom. I’m thankful to share this bit of wisdom from our annual SIPosium today.