Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 8, 2026

Tom Burch

Thomas J. Burch is an American politician who served as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1978 to 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Burch represented Kentucky's 30th House district, which comprised part of Jefferson County. He previously represented the same district from 1972 to 1976.

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Tom Burch
Burch in 2019
Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives
from the 30th district
In office
January 1, 1978 – January 1, 2023
Preceded byJon Ackerson
Succeeded byDaniel Grossberg
In office
January 1, 1972 – January 1, 1976
Preceded byJoseph Keene (redistricting)
Succeeded byJon Ackerson
Personal details
Born (1931-07-19) July 19, 1931
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
PartyDemocratic
OccupationProduction control manager (retired)
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy
United States Navy Reserve
Years of service
1948–1956

Thomas J. Burch (born July 19, 1931) is an American politician who served as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1978 to 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Burch represented Kentucky's 30th House district, which comprised part of Jefferson County. He previously represented the same district from 1972 to 1976.1

Elected to 24 two-year terms, Burch's tenure of exactly 49 years is the longest of any member of the Kentucky General Assembly.2

Early life and education

Thomas J. Burch was born on July 19, 1931, in Louisville, Kentucky. Burch spent his career working for General Electric from 1953 until his retirement in 1991 as a production control manager.3 During this time, Burch attended Bellarmine College, graduating with a degree in business in 1959.4

Burch served in the United States Navy and United States Naval Reserve from 1948 to 1956.

Political career

In 1969, Burch unsuccessfully ran for the Kentucky Senate, losing to incumbent Republican senator Walter Reichert. He was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives initially in 1971, serving two terms. He was defeated for reelection by Republican Jon Ackerson in 1975. He was elected again in 1977 when Ackerson retired to run for the Kentucky Senate.3

A Catholic by religion, Burch is married to Patty McDevitt and has five children and resides in Louisville.3 He is a member a board member of Brooklawn Youth Services, and a member of the Home of the Innocents, Kentucky Domestic Violence Association, Kentucky Organ Donor Council, Kentucky Welfare Reform Coalition, Kosair Children's Hospital, Lions Foundation, and the National Organization for Women.43

In 2010, Burch released a statement regarding alleged sexual abuse he experienced as a youth by a Catholic priest.5

In 2022, Burch was defeated by Daniel Grossberg in the Democratic primary election.6

Electoral history

Electoral history of Kevin Kiley
Year Office Primary General Result Swing Ref.
Total % P. Total % P.
1967 Kentucky House of Representatives (46th) Unopposed 5,525 43.91% 2nd Lost Hold 78
1969 Kentucky Senate (34th) 2,434 68.68% 1st 16,181 48.80% 2nd Lost Hold 910
1971 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) 826 44.17% 1st 3,771 55.59% 1st Won Hold 1112
1973 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 4,982 66.80% 1st Won Hold 13
1975 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 3,172 43.90% 2nd Lost Gain 14
1977 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) 1,222 60.02% 1st 4,741 66.28% 1st Won Gain 15
1979 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 5,076 70.15% 1st Won Hold 1617
1981 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) 1,280 57.71% 1st 4,922 64.74% 1st Won Hold 1819
1984 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) 1,078 62.17% 1st 8,299 63.86% 1st Won Hold 2021
1986 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) 1,157 79.52% 1st 4,617 71.98% 1st Won Hold 2223
1988 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 8,701 Unopposed Won Hold 2425
1990 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 4,456 51.98% 1st Won Hold 2627
1992 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) 2,373 53.31% 1st 7,919 53.25% 1st Won Hold 2829
1994 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 4,417 53.47% 1st Won Hold 3031
1996 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 9,218 72.12% 1st Won Hold 3233
1998 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 7,164 73.61% 1st Won Hold 3435
2000 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) 1,549 62.71% 1st 10,354 Unopposed Won Hold 3637
2002 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 9,376 Unopposed Won Hold 3839
2004 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 12,384 70.28% 1st Won Hold 4041
2006 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 9,138 74.20% 1st Won Hold 4243
2008 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 15,653 Unopposed Won Hold 4445
2010 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 9,433 72.38% 1st Won Hold 4647
2012 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 13,345 75.08% 1st Won Hold 4849
2014 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 9,647 Unopposed Won Hold 5051
2016 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) Unopposed 12,678 76.79% 1st Won Hold 5253
2018 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) 2,179 55.76% 1st 9,935 75.51% 1st Won Hold 5455
2020 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) 4,692 58.78% 1st 14,521 Unopposed Won Hold 5657
2022 Kentucky House of Representatives (30th) 1,719 41.98% 2nd Did not advance Lost Hold 58
References

References

  1. "House District 30". Archived from the original on 2019-01-17. Retrieved 2014-01-16.
  2. Heleringer, Bob. "The story behind Kentucky's longest-serving lawmaker. At 90, he's still going strong". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved 2026-06-16.
  3. Thomas Burch's Biography – Project Vote Smart
  4. "About Democrat Tom Burch". Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2014-01-16.
  5. State Rep. Tom Burch speaks publicly about his sexual abuse by a priest | Politics and Government | Kentucky.com
  6. Sonka, Joe (May 17, 2022). "Northern Kentucky House committee chairmen lose primaries; Rep. Burch ousted in Louisville". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  7. "67 in City, County Vie for Legislature". The Courier Journal. Louisville, Kentucky. May 21, 1967.
  8. Pardue, Anne (November 9, 1967). "GOP Gains in State House, Cuts Democratic Majority to 4". The Courier Journal. Louisville, Kentucky.
  9. "Two Young Rookies Nominated for House". The Courier Journal. Louisville, Kentucky. May 29, 1969.
  10. Billitter, Bill (November 14, 1969). "Official Tally Gives Lead to Sen. Reichert". The Courier Journal. Louisville, Kentucky.
  11. "Winners in Kentucky House of Representatives primaries". The Courier Journal. Louisville, Kentucky. May 27, 1971.
  12. "Results in contests for Kentucky House". The Courier Journal. Louisville, Kentucky. November 3, 1971.
  13. "1973 Primary and General Election Results: State Representative" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  14. "1975 Primary and General Election Results: State Representative" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  15. "1977 Primary and General Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  16. "1979 Primary Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  17. "1979 General Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  18. "1981 Primary Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  19. "1981 General Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  20. "1984 Primary Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  21. "1984 General Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  22. "1986 Primary Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  23. "1986 General Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  24. "1988 Primary Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  25. "1988 General Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  26. "1990 Primary Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  27. "1990 General Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  28. "1992 Primary Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  29. "1992 General Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  30. "1994 Primary Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  31. "1994 General Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  32. "1996 Primary Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  33. "1996 General Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  34. "1998 Primary Election Results: State Representative" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  35. "1998 General Election Results: State Representative". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  36. "2000 Primary Election: Statewide Results by Office". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  37. "2000 General Election: Statewide Results by Office". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  38. "2002 Primary Election: Statewide Results by Office". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  39. "2002 General Election: Statewide Results by Office". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  40. "2004 Primary Election: Statewide Results by Office". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  41. "2004 General Election: Statewide Results by Office". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  42. "2006 Primary Election: Statewide Results by Office". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  43. "2006 General Election: Statewide Results by Office". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  44. "2008 Primary Election: Statewide Results by Office". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  45. "2008 General Election: Statewide Results by Office". elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  46. "Official 2010 Primary Election Results" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  47. "Official 2010 General Election Results" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  48. "Official 2012 Primary Election Results" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  49. "Official 2012 General Election Results" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  50. "Official 2014 Primary Election Results" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  51. "Official 2014 General Election Results" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  52. "Official 2016 Primary Election Results" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  53. "Official 2016 General Election Results" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  54. "Official 2018 Primary Election Results" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  55. "Official 2018 General Election Results" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  56. "Official 2020 Primary Election Results" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  57. "Official 2020 General Election Results" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  58. "Official 2022 Primary Election Results" (PDF). elect.ky.gov. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
External links