Buford, leader of Kentucky Senate, dies at 72

Kentucky GOP state Sen. Tom Buford, who served 30 years in the state capitol, died Tuesday, according to a statement from Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens.

Buford was 72. He died in Pensacola, Fla., according to WTVQ-TV.

"Tom was a dedicated public servant who proudly represented his constituents in the 22nd District and brought an abundance of insight and experience to some of the Commonwealth’s most complex issues over 30 years of service in the General Assembly," said Givens, a fellow Republican.

After winning his first election in 1990, when he defeated Democratic incumbent Bill Clouse by 602 votes, Buford soon took on a leadership post. He served as the minority whip when his term began in 1991, then became the minority caucus chairman two years later, serving in that role through 1996.

In some ways, his election helped portend Kentucky’s switch in politics at the state level. Before he was elected, there were just nine Republicans in the state Senate. A decade later, the GOP would take control of the chamber for the first time.

Republicans held a 30-8 advantage in the 2021 session.

U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, considered the architect of the GOP’s rise to power in Kentucky, called Buford "a giant of the Kentucky Senate" and a dedicated public servant.

"Tom was unafraid to take on tough issues and fought hard for Kentucky’s most vulnerable, with a special focus on the disabled," McConnell said in a statement. "The impact of his work could be felt far beyond the borders of his State Senate district, improving the lives of Kentuckians throughout the Commonwealth."

Buford’s district included Jessamine County, his home county, and parts of other central Kentucky counties, including Fayette.

Under Kentucky law, Gov. Andy Beshear will call a special election in Buford's district with voters selecting a candidate to serve the remainder of his term.

Kentucky state senators serve four-year terms, with the 22nd District seat one of 19 up for election in 2022.

Buford is survived by his wife Carol, two children, Stephanie and Beau, and grandchildren.