Joshua Watkins
Candidate for State Representative, 42nd District
Background
- Occupation
- State representative
- Lives in
- Louisville
- Campaign website
- votejoshuawatkins.com
State representative for District 42 since 2025 and House Minority Whip. Holds an MBA from North Central University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
Photo: Official portrait — Kentucky Legislative Research Commission
Documented positions
Housing
Sponsored a refundable state tax credit for renters.In office
First-listed sponsor of House Bill 228 (2026); the credit would equal 25% of qualified rent paid. Its last recorded action was referral to the House Appropriations & Revenue Committee (Jan. 14, 2026).
ReportRep. Joshua Watkins: sponsored bills (an asterisk marks primary sponsorship), Kentucky General AssemblyGovernment record · Kentucky Legislative Research Commission · apps.legislature.ky.gov
House Bill 228 (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to a tax credit for renters.Government record · Kentucky Legislative Research Commission · apps.legislature.ky.gov
“establish a refundable qualified rent payment credit for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2027”
Health & human services
Pledges to expand mental health care and protect Medicaid.
ReportMy Focus for Next Term – Vote Joshua WatkinsCampaign website · Joshua Watkins for State Representative · votejoshuawatkins.com
“Expand mental health care access, strengthen maternal health, and protect Medicaid.”
Sponsored extending postpartum Medicaid coverage to 24 months.In office
Sole sponsor of House Bill 786 (2026). Its last recorded action was referral to the House Health Services Committee (March 6, 2026).
ReportRep. Joshua Watkins: sponsored bills (an asterisk marks primary sponsorship), Kentucky General AssemblyGovernment record · Kentucky Legislative Research Commission · apps.legislature.ky.gov
House Bill 786 (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to Medicaid eligibility.Government record · Kentucky Legislative Research Commission · apps.legislature.ky.gov
“to extend Medicaid eligibility for new parents from 12 months to 24 months postpartum”
Government & transparency
Supports restoring voting rights to returning citizens.
ReportMy Focus for Next Term – Vote Joshua WatkinsCampaign website · Joshua Watkins for State Representative · votejoshuawatkins.com
“Restore voting rights to returning citizens.”
All sources (8)
- Candidate Filings with the Office of the Secretary of State, 2026 General Election (Jefferson County offices and districts)
Election filing · Kentucky Secretary of State · web.sos.ky.gov
- Where Do I Vote / Sample Ballot: November 3, 2026 General Election official sample ballots by precinct (Jefferson County, KY)
Election filing · Jefferson County Clerk · jeffersoncountyclerk.org
- Candidate Filings with the Office of the Secretary of State, 2026 General Election
Election filing · Kentucky Secretary of State · web.sos.ky.gov
- Representative Joshua Watkins, member profile (House District 42), Kentucky General Assembly
Government record · Kentucky Legislative Research Commission · legislature.ky.gov
- My Focus for Next Term – Vote Joshua Watkins
Campaign website · Joshua Watkins for State Representative · votejoshuawatkins.com
- Rep. Joshua Watkins: sponsored bills (an asterisk marks primary sponsorship), Kentucky General Assembly
Government record · Kentucky Legislative Research Commission · apps.legislature.ky.gov
- House Bill 228 (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to a tax credit for renters.
Government record · Kentucky Legislative Research Commission · apps.legislature.ky.gov
- House Bill 786 (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to Medicaid eligibility.
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.