The Gist
State Representative, 82nd District
Photo of Nick Wilson
Nick WilsonOfficial portrait — Kentucky Legislative Research Commission

Nick Wilson

Candidate for State Representative, 82nd District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative; attorney
Lives in
Williamsburg

State representative since 2023 for District 82 (Whitley County and part of Laurel County). An attorney and the winner of the TV series Survivor: David vs. Goliath.

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Photo: Official portrait — Kentucky Legislative Research Commission

Documented positions

Environment & parks

  • Sponsored bill for resident discounts at state park lodgesIn office

    Lead sponsor of HB 215 (2026), the "J.E. Jones Kentucky Fairways Act." Referred to the House Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee on Jan. 14, 2026; it did not advance.

    HB 215 (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to state parks.

    Government record · Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission) · apps.legislature.ky.gov

    “establish a discount at state park lodging resorts and golf courses for Kentucky residents”
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Health & human services

  • Sponsored law barring sex offenders' households from foster careIn office

    Lead sponsor of HB 778 (2026), which also bars adoption placements when anyone in the home is on the registry. Signed into law (2026 Acts Chapter 68).

    HB 778 (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to child welfare.

    Government record · Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission) · apps.legislature.ky.gov

    “prohibit an individual from being approved to provide foster care or relative caregiver services to a child”
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Government & transparency

  • Sponsored law banning barcode-based voting equipment purchasesIn office

    One of the primary sponsors of HB 139 (2026), an elections bill that also requires voting systems to meet a federal Election Assistance Commission standard. The governor vetoed it; the General Assembly overrode the veto and it became law (2026 Acts Chapter 175).

    HB 139 (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to elections and declaring an emergency.

    Government record · Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission) · apps.legislature.ky.gov

    “prohibit the purchase of voting equipment or voting systems that utilize nonhuman readable codes, including barcodes, QR codes”
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All sources (10)

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.