Ky. House candidate from Lexington postpones campaign after arrest for domestic violence
A Fayette County candidate for state representative says he is postponing his campaign after he was arrested over the weekend for an alleged domestic violence incident.
Chris Couch, a 25-year-old Democrat who threw his hat into the ring for the Lexington-based 75th District seat, allegedly assaulted his partner on Sunday night when he broke glass in a North Limestone apartment “causing the victim to step on it” and injure his right heel, according to a Lexington Police arrest citation. Couch is also alleged to have ripped the victim’s shirt.
“I am disappointed in myself for reacting in anger to an argument with my boyfriend,” Couch said in a statement on Tuesday. “I did not manage the stress of my career and my personal relationship appropriately. I understand the consequences of my actions and have reached out to professional counselors for assistance in learning how to react better next time.
“It is my goal moving forward to advocate strongly for access to counseling and care for all young people in today’s challenging workplace and world. At this time I will be postponing my campaign for State House and taking time to focus on my health and future.”
The incident took place on Sunday night and Couch was arrested an hour later early Monday morning, according to the citation.
Couch faces a charge of fourth-degree assault with minor injury, a misdemeanor.
Couch is one of just two candidates for state representative in District 75. Lindsey Burke, a Lexington attorney, is also running for the seat as a Democrat.
Rep. Kelly Flood, D-Lexington, currently serves the district. She announced last year that she would not seek reelection after more than 12 years of service.
According to a biography on his campaign website, Couch is from Eastern Kentucky and moved to Lexington to attend the University of Kentucky, graduating in 2020. His biography also states that he has worked for several Democratic and non-partisan campaigns, as well as the Kentucky Democratic Party. He most recently was a policy advisor for the House Democratic Leadership at the capitol – a spokesperson for House Democratic Leadership confirmed that Couch has not worked there since the summer.
This story was originally published February 22, 2022 at 11:19 AM.
