A Central Kentucky educator making a run for the state senate will visit Clark County on a campaign stop today.

Denise Gray, a special needs educator from Lexington, is a Democratic candidate for the 28th Senate District seat, currently held by Ralph Alvarado (R-Winchester).

She will host a campaign kick off and meet and greet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. today at the Engine House Pizza pub, 9 W. Lexington Ave.

Gray said she has decided to run for office to bring change to Frankfort.

“I saw the need and realized I need to be part of the solution,” Gray said. “It’s time for our representatives in Frankfort to work for all of their constituents and not just those with the same party affiliation. I am running for this seat because all is not well in Frankfort and we need someone to represent the concerns of all the people.  There is work to be done in the 28th Senate District for economic development, protection of our public employees, and increased educational opportunities for all children.”

Gray is employed with Fayette County Public Schools and works with the Kentucky Education Association (KEA) as a member of its Program and Budget Committee and was a KEA Fellow representing support staff throughout the State of Kentucky. Gray is also a member of the Fayette County Education Support Association’s Board of Directors and has been featured as part of the National Education Association’s See Educators Run Program.

Gray said she believes educators need more representation in state government.

“Educators should have a seat at the table when Frankfort is making decisions that affect students, educators’ pensions, and all aspects of our lives,” said Gray, a graduate of Bryan Station High School, the University of Louisville, and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. “Politics have become so partisan that families of every background are getting lost in the fray: low-income families, middle-class families, working-class families.”

Some of Gray’s key issues include quality public education, the public employee pension crisis, generating new revenue for the state and reducing standardized testing.

To learn more about Gray, visit DeniseGray4KY.com.