State Rep. Donna Mayfield announced the withdrawal of her candidacy for the 73rd District state representative race during her opening statement at Wednesday night’s candidate forum, citing concerns of “hostility in politics.”

Mayfield (R-Winchester) served as the state representative for Clark and Madison counties for eight years. 

Mayfield said it was an honor to serve for the past eight years and listed her successes in office including strengthening Kentucky pension systems, foster care system reform, laws enacted to protect citizens from gang-related crimes.

“It’s been an honor to represent Clark and Madison County as your state representative for the past eight years,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed helping folks with constituent issues.” 

Mayfield went on to say she was proud of her accomplishments but not proud of the hostility in politics. 

“Politics has become too vicious,” Mayfield said. 

She said people have become too nasty, and some people “enjoy spreading lies and vicious rumors as they hide behind a keyboard in the dark at night.”

“This past legislative session has been the darkest, nastiest session,” Mayfield said. 

Mayfield said representatives have received “frightening and profane messages” and some legislators have had their houses broken into and others have been pushed. 

“Unfortunately, this unacceptable behavior has carried its way all the way down to our county as well,” she said. “There is absolutely no reason for people behave in such a manner as I’ve seen.” 

Mayfield said the truth was never a factor “spewed” by people in Clark County.

“I’ve lost my love for public service,” she said.

Mayfield went on as the bell signaling the end of her two-minute opening remarks sounded, indicating her time was up.

“I need to go on for a second,” she said as the moderator approached the stage. “This is public service.”

“I no longer have room for this in me and my family’s life,” she continued. “Therefore, I’m withdrawing my name from the ballot.”

Some members of the audience applauded. 

“I congratulate my friend Les Yates on his representation on the Republican ticket in November and I encourage you to support him,” she said of her primary opponent. “I’d like to thank those people who have supported me, helped me or prayed for me and my family and I will remember you as my husband and I go on into the next phase of our life.”

Mayfield ended her speech by saying she hopes the people who have displayed “nastiest” will change. 

“I pray that you will find a way to rid yourself of that darkness,” she said. 

Les Yates will now be the only Republican on the ballot. Pat Banks and Rory Houlihan are running on the Democratic ticket for 73rd District state representative.