Pamela Stevenson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pamela Stevenson
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| Minority Leader of the Kentucky House of Representatives | |
| Assumed office January 7, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Derrick Graham |
| Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from the 43rd district |
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| Assumed office January 1, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Booker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 8, 1959 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Thomas Shannon |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Indiana University, Bloomington (BS, JD) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1984–2011 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps |
Pamela D. Stevenson (born April 8, 1959) is an American politician, a lawyer, and a retired U.S. Air Force officer. She served as a Colonel. She is a member of the Democratic Party. She represents District 43 in the Kentucky State House. In 2023, she ran for Attorney General of Kentucky but did not win.
Early Life and Education
Pamela Stevenson grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. She went to Shawnee High School and then Brown High School. After high school, she joined the United States Air Force.
She served for 27 years as a Judge Advocate General. This means she was a lawyer for the Air Force. She retired with the rank of Colonel.
Stevenson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Indiana University Bloomington in 1981. In 1984, she earned her law degree from Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
In 2015, Stevenson started the Stevenson Law Center. This center helps veterans and older adults with legal issues, often for free (this is called pro bono). She also taught law as a professor at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law.
Political Career
Pamela Stevenson was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 2020. She took the place of Charles Booker.
In November 2022, Stevenson announced she would run for Attorney General of Kentucky in 2023. She became the only Democratic candidate for the job. This made her the first African-American woman to be nominated for this office in Kentucky.
While serving in the state house, Stevenson became known for her strong speeches. In March 2023, she gave a speech against Kentucky House Bill 470. This bill aimed to set rules for schools regarding student well-being and instruction on certain topics. Her speech became very popular online.
She gave another important speech on March 29, 2023, about Senate Bill 150. This bill also dealt with rules for young people.
Stevenson said in her speech, “We have created an environment of hate and then we look at them like there’s something wrong with them, First you hated Black people, then you hated Jews, now you’re hating everybody. So the question is, when it’s the only people left … will you hate yourself?”
On February 20, 2025, Senator Mitch McConnell decided not to run for another term. Following this, Stevenson announced she plans to run for United States Senator for Kentucky. She shared this news on social media.
Personal Life
Pamela Stevenson is a Christian. She became an ordained minister in 2023. She works as an Associate Pastor at the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Louisville.
She is married to Thomas Shannon, who is a professional photographer. They have two children.
Electoral History Summary
Pamela Stevenson has run for office several times.
- In 2018, she ran for the Kentucky House of Representatives but did not win the primary election.
- In 2020, she won the Democratic primary and then ran unopposed in the general election for the 43rd district of the Kentucky House of Representatives. This means she was the only candidate.
- In 2022, she won her primary election and then ran unopposed again in the general election for the 43rd district.
- In 2023, she ran for Attorney General of Kentucky but lost to the Republican candidate, Russell Coleman.
- In 2024, she ran unopposed for her seat in the Kentucky House of Representatives and won again.
