J. T. Payne
Candidate for State Representative, 11th District
Background
- Occupation
- State representative; high school assistant principal
- Lives in
- Henderson
- Campaign website
- jtforkentucky.com
State representative for District 11 (Henderson County) since 2025. An assistant principal of career and technical education who began his career as an agriculture teacher and FFA adviser at Henderson County High School.
Documented positions
Education
Supports limiting standardized testing and school over-regulation.
ReportJ.T. Payne for State RepresentativeCampaign website · J.T. Payne for State Representative · jtforkentucky.com
“He also understands the importance of limiting the weight of standardized testing and thinks the government should not over-regulate schools and teachers.”
Sponsored law letting districts build local accountability systems.In office
HB 257 (2026). Signed by the governor April 13, 2026 (Acts Ch. 138).
Report2026 Regular Session HB 257: AN ACT relating to the education assessment and accountability system.Government record · Kentucky Legislative Research Commission · apps.legislature.ky.gov
“permit local school districts to develop and implement a local accountability system”
Economy & jobs
Supports barring foreign adversaries from buying Kentucky farmland.
ReportJ.T. Payne for State RepresentativeCampaign website · J.T. Payne for State Representative · jtforkentucky.com
“This includes preventing foreign enemies from buying land in Kentucky.”
Roads & infrastructure
Supports finishing I-69 as his top infrastructure priority.
ReportJ.T. Payne for State RepresentativeCampaign website · J.T. Payne for State Representative · jtforkentucky.com
“The I69 project remains his top infrastructure priority while serving district 11.”
Environment & parks
Supports more coal and natural gas energy production.
His site says Kentucky must increase energy production to lead in technologies such as artificial intelligence.
ReportJ.T. Payne for State RepresentativeCampaign website · J.T. Payne for State Representative · jtforkentucky.com
“J.T. has been a strong supporter of the coal and natural gas industry”
All sources (6)
- Candidate Filings with the Office of the Secretary of State, 2026 General Election (Henderson County offices and districts)
Election filing · Kentucky Secretary of State · web.sos.ky.gov
- Henderson County Sample Ballot, General Election, November 3, 2026 (published under KRS 424.290)
Election filing · Henderson County Clerk (posted by the Kentucky Secretary of State) · web.sos.ky.gov
- Candidate Filings with the Office of the Secretary of State, 2026 General Election
Election filing · Kentucky Secretary of State · web.sos.ky.gov
- Representative J.T. Payne, member page, Kentucky General Assembly
Government record · Kentucky Legislative Research Commission · legislature.ky.gov
- J.T. Payne for State Representative
Campaign website · J.T. Payne for State Representative · jtforkentucky.com
- 2026 Regular Session HB 257: AN ACT relating to the education assessment and accountability system.
Government record · Kentucky Legislative Research Commission · apps.legislature.ky.gov
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.