Background
Anne Donworth was born in Lexington, Kentucky. Donworth earned a high school diploma from Groton School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia in 2007, and a degree Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis in 2015. Her career experience includes working as a nonprofit executive.[1][2]
As of 2024, Donworth was affiliated with the following organizations:[2]
Lexington Public Library
Lexington Public Library Foundation
Scarteen Stud, Emerge Kentucky
Commerce Lexington
Kentucky Public Library Association
Clays Spring Neighborhood Association
- Bachelor's:
- University of Virginia
- High school:
- Groton School
In their own words
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
I'm a native Lexingtonian, former nonprofit executive, business owner, and mother of two. I'm a passionate advocate for the City of Lexington, Central Kentucky, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Education: I believe in strong early childhood education, fully funding our public schools, and investing in our technical trades, colleges and universities, as well as public libraries. We must also care for the educators and administrators who help build our workforce of tomorrow. Education is the best investment we can make in the future of Kentucky, which is why I filed Pre-K for All legislation which would allow all Kentucky four year-olds the opportunity to participate in public Pre-K.Healthcare: I support comprehensive healthcare reform aimed at expanding access, reducing costs, and improving quality. Advocating for universal healthcare coverage, my focus is on preventive care, mental health services, and lowering prescription drug prices to ensure that all Kentuckians have the healthcare they need and deserve, regardless of their financial status. We must also ensure that people across the Commonwealth have access to quality primary care providers and more equitable health outcomes for all.Smart Government: I believe in transparent government that works for the people we are elected to serve. I have filed legislation to end partisan gerrymandering by creating an independent redistricting commission (modeled after the one on which I served in Lexington in 2020). I also filed legislative ethics reform bills and have vehemently fought against any bills which reduce public transparency. Good government does not happen in a vacuum, and I believe that stakeholders need to be involved in ever step of the legislative process.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Education, Housing, and Healthcare.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Integrity, willingness to listen, critical & strategic thinking, and a willingness to work with colleagues to move policy forward.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Elected officials must show up for and listen to their constituents. My job is to hear my constituents' concerns and advocate on their behalf in Frankfort.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I want to leave the world a better place.
What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?
Endorsements: C-FAIR (Committee for Fairness and Individual Rights, the political action committee of The Fairness Campaign), LIUNA Local 189, Kentucky Womens Network PAC, Kentucky State AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, and United Steelworkers. Designations: Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate and Mental Health Now
What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?
I remember sitting in the first grade while we watched NASA launch the Discovery in 1989.
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
I am a nonprofit executive, business owner, mother of two, and native Lexingtonian. For the past decade, I served as Director of Development, Marketing, and Communications for the Lexington Public Library, where I worked to help Lexington and its libraries thrive. I have served on numerous community boards and committees, ranging from my daughters' preschool board to Commerce Lexington's Public Policy Council. I care passionately about people and want to build the brightest future possible for all Kentuckians.
Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Education: early childhood education, public schools, libraries, technical trades, colleges, and universities are the best investment we can make for our future. Further, our educators and support staff are heroes, and I will fight for fair compensation and policies to support them for their great work.Women's Rights: women should be free to make the best decisions for their bodies and families, and they should receive equal pay for equal work. We also need to address child care in Kentucky, which is a concern that falls primarily upon women's shoulders.Gun Safety: common sense gun safety measures save lives.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
In addition to the three issues included above, I am a passionate advocate for public spaces like parks, trails, and libraries. Like many cities, Lexington needs more affordable housing, and I believe we must look creatively at our challenges to find solutions. I believe in breaking institutional silos, creating partnerships and smart policy to meet the needs of our communities effectively and efficiently.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
I believe that elected officials must be curious. Curiosity allows them to listen to their constituents, learn more about each issue, consider opposing or conflicting viewpoints, and to make the best decisions for the public. Officials must also be independent and strategic thinkers who consider all consequences of a legislative measure. Most importantly, elected officials must be held to the highest level of integrity to maintain the public's trust in our government.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
I worked for a catering business the summer that I turned 16. It was hard work, but I learned a lot from some strong enterprising women!
What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?
It is a privilege to be entrusted with leadership by the public, and elected officials should do everything possible to increase transparency for those they serve.
Note: Donworth submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on April 13, 2024.
Show past responsesHide past responses
February 25 submission
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
“I'm running to champion public education, public spaces, efficient government, and women’s rights.”
Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
We need a strong system of public education for Kentucky to reach its full potential.Our public spaces are more critical than ever. We must protect and expands those spaces - libraries, parks and more. Women's rights, in all forms, are under attack and I'll fight back.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Public education, public spaces, government efficiency and women's rights.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I have a long, proven and successful record of advocating for our community.
What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?
We must do everything we can to restore the public's trust in government and this includes increased accountability and transparency.
On the 2026 ballot
Links
Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.
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