In Kentucky, an early test of teachers’ new political power

MOUNT VERNON, Ky. (AP) — Teachers hoping to sustain their momentum from spring protests face an early test in Kentucky as scores of educators are running for seats in the state legislature.

At least 40 current or former teachers are running for office in Kentucky. Sixteen of them have Democratic or Republican primaries on May 22, including four against Republican incumbents.

The most high-profile race is in central Kentucky, where high-school math teacher R. Travis Brenda is challenging Rep. Jonathan Shell, the House majority floor leader.

Teacher discontent could spill over to other races where no teachers are on the ballot. Harris, a Republican state senator for two decades, faces attorney Alex White on the May 22 primary. Harris said teachers are targeting him because he voted for a bill to change their pension plan.