Emma Curtis

@emmacurtis

Councilwoman 🏛️ Trans Kentuckian 🏳️‍⚧️ Punk/Metalhead/Elder Emo 🤘 Running for re-election to continue serving the people of Lexington’s 4th District 💙

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Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· 11d

On Thursday, I attended all 6 hours of the Planning Commission’s public hearing on #DataCenters. I reminded the commissioners that we serve our people, not private corporations. And I assured them that I will bust my ass to pass a policy that fully protects our people, our city, and our resources.

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· 13d

Today is my 30th birthday. I never thought I’d make it to today, much less do so while serving in elected office. But here I am, fighting to build a Lexington that works for ALL of us If you’re able, please chip in to help make that Lexington a reality 💙 secure.actblue.com/donate/emmaf...

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· 17d

We’ve been doing so much tangible good for our city together, but we’re up against an opponent in this race who is intent on spreading disinformation, anger, and fear. Can you chip in today to help us reach as many voters as possible in the next 100 days? 💙 secure.actblue.com/donate/emmaf...

A photo of Emma standing on the Kirklevington Park tennis/pickleball courts that her office revitalized with a graphic reading “100 DAYS UNTIL ELECTION DAY. DONATE TODAY!”

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· 20d

I’m honored to be recognized as a 2026 Principled Candidate. Many in politics, including in this race, choose to sow fear, spread conspiracies, and cast doubt on our elections. On our campaign, we are leading with integrity and upholding the principles that make our democracy strong. #EmmaForLex

A photo of Emma smiling on Main St. in downtown Lexington with a graphic recognizing her as a 2026 Principled Candidate.

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· 28d

I’m humbled to be recognized as a Mental Health Now Candidate. From sponsoring our city’s Mental Health Court to ensuring mental health services are available to folks of all backgrounds, I’ve worked hard to improve the mental health of our city. And I’ll keep at it in my second term. #EmmaForLex

A photo of Emma smiling in downtown Lexington with a graphic that reads “Proudly recognized as a Mental Health Now Candidate”

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Jul 11

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Jul 1

When I decided to run for office, I was told repeatedly that I couldn’t win in Kentucky because of my gender. I disagreed—and so did the voters in Lexington’s 4th District. With Pride Month behind us, remember that your success cannot be predicted based on who you love or what your gender is. 🏳️‍🌈💙🏳️‍⚧️

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Jun 18

Council just unanimously voted to approve my Animal Care Ordinance! Now, abused pets will no longer be returned to owners facing criminal abuse or neglect charges. Now, it is illegal to leave pets unattended in extreme weather conditions. Now, pets in Lexington are safer than they were before.

A graphic that reads “VICTORY! Animal Care Ordinance passes with unanimous support” alongside a photo of Emma and her dog, Benny

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Jun 18

I was proud to officially open the newly rebuilt tennis and pickleball courts at Belleau Woods Park! Our district has waited a long time for these courts, with the project being passed from Councilmember to Councilmember over several years. I’m humbled to be the one to finally see it through. 💙

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Jun 16

We know that so often, data centers kill communities. I hope that Lexington can be known as a community that kills data centers. Based on last night’s community engagement meeting at The Lyric Theatre, we are well on our way.

Emma poses outside The Lyric Theatre with Bluegrass DSA President Noah Cornett, Laborers Local #189 Political Director Jeremy Jenkins, and data center regulation advocate Erin Petrey

A graphic, which reads:

Several citizens spoke openly to city and state lawmakers; none in attendance showed support for data center projects.

Fayette County Fourth District Council member Emma Curtis opposes the centers.

"As a Lexingtonian, my biggest concern about these data centers is rooted in our ability to protect our people and our resources," Curtis said. "We know that so often data centers kill communities, and I hope Lexington can be known as a community that kills data centers."

Some council members said they were still gathering information, while others openly opposed data center developments in Lexington. Curtis said that, thus far, she has not heard of any support for data centers.

"I have not gotten a single call, a single e-mail, or had a single conversation with a constituent in the fourth district who wants data centers in Fayette County.”

Lexington community pushes back against data center developments, WUKY, 6/16/2026

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Jun 8

On Tuesday, I presented on the City of Lexington’s AI Policy and spoke of the need to confront the issue of data centers. On Wednesday, we learned that a data center developer had purchased property in Lexington and is seeking to develop it. In case it wasn’t apparent enough—I’m opposed to that.

A Note on Data Centers
Like many of y'all, I was frustrated to learn that DartPoints, a data center developer, had purchased a portion of property formerly owned by LexMark with the intention to expand existing data center infrastracture on the property to support a new, larger data center.

City leaders, including my fellow Councilmembers and I, were not involved in or made aware of this proposed development ahead of time. I learned of this the same that the general public did: through reporting by the Lexington Herald-Leader.

I find this development alarming for many reasons. As I said during the GGP
Committee's Al discussion on Tuesday:

"Our constituents have legitimate concerns about the rapid proliferation of data centers across our commonwealth and our country. I share their concerns. That is a part of this conversation that we are anticipating having in the near future. It is my hope that we will choose to protect our people and our resources."

I said that at the time, because Council was already set to discuss how data centers should be defined in our Zoning Ordinance during our July GGP meeting.

I want to be clear with you about where I, personally, stand: I do not support the construction of hyperscale data centers in Fayette County and I do not support allowing the expansion of existing data center infrastructure at this time.

As of now, Mayor Gorton has confirmed that the project will not receive any city funding and added that she supports "tight controls" because data centers "do not produce many jobs, and have the potential to increase utility costs on local residents."

I am continuing to have conversations about what the most effective and impactful next steps are on this front and it is my hope that we will act sooner rather than later to protect our people and our resources.

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Jun 3

Like many Lexingtonians, I believe that AI has a far greater potential for collective harm than it does for collective good. That’s why I am proud to have sponsored and championed LFUCG’s Artificial Intelligence Policy, which was presented today before the General Government and Planning Committee.

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Jun 1

Pride month is about celebration, yes, but it is also about creating political power for LGBTQ+ folks. LGBTQ+ Lexingtonians are still facing a hateful legislative assault. That won’t stop until we elect more LGBTQ+ folks and allies to all levels of government. (1/2)

Emma marches in the Lexington Pride Parade with Rep. Adrielle Camuel

Emma speaks with Rep. Anne Donworth and Rep. Adam Moore at the Lexington Pride Festival

Emma poses with the Fayette County Democratic Party ahead of the Lexington Pride Parade

A photo from the Lexington Pride Festival of the Fayette County Democratic Party’s 2026 slate of endorsed local candidates:

Mayor - Raquel Carter
Clerk - Susan Lamb
Judge Executive - Mary Diane McCord Hanna
PVA - David O'Neill
County Attorney - Angela Evans
Sheriff - Kathy Witt

LFUCG Council At-Large - Dan Wu, Herbert Lynn, James Brown, William Tate Ohmer,
Stephanie Aschmann Spires
LFUCG Council 1 - Tyler Morton
LUCG Council 2 - Shayla Lynch
LFUCG Council 3 - Griffin VanMeter
LFUCG Council 4 - Emma Curtis
LFUCG Council 5 - Stephenie Hoelscher
LFUCG Council 6 - Tina Bryson
LFUCG Council 8 - Amy Beasley
LFUCG Council 9 - Whitney Baxter
LFUCG Council 11 - Casandra Vogl, Richard
Moloney

County Commissioner 1 - Perry Scott Gibson
County Commissioner 2 - Elizabeth Ann
Hatfield
County Commissioner 3 - Chance McNamara
Coroner - Gary Ginn
Magistrate 1 - Rosalind Bryant
Magistrate 2 - Karen Summers
Magistrate 3 - Chrysanthia Seals
Constable 1 - Robert Miller
Constable 2 - Jim McKenzie
Constable 3 - Edward "Eddie" Sparks

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· May 10

I am who I am today because of my mom. She taught me to do what’s right instead of what’s easy, to cherish those you love even if you don’t understand them, and to always remain relentlessly curious. Happy Mother’s Day 💙

A photo of a very young Emma smiling in a chair next to her mom

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· May 8

Daniel Grossberg has been repeatedly and credibly accused of sexual assault, harassment, and intimidation by several women. Him and his allies have done everything in their power to make life a living hell for those of us who came forward publicly—myself included. (1/3)

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· May 5

🚨ENDORSEMENT ALERT🚨 Our campaign has been endorsed by the Central Kentucky Building & Construction Trades Council! I’ll continue to fight for pro-union, pro-worker, and pro-people policies in my second term. When our unions succeed, our city succeeds. 💙✊ #EmmaForLex #LexingtonBelongsToAllOfUs

A graphic featuring a photo of Emma promoting her endorsement by the Central Kentucky Building & Construction Trades Council

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Apr 30

🚨ENDORSEMENT ALERT🚨 I’m humbled that our campaign has been endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety and I’ve been recognized as a Gun Safety Candidate by Moms Demand Action. In my second term, I’ll continue working to keep our neighbors safe and put an end to gun violence in Lexington. #EmmaForLex

A photo of Emma, wearing a suit and smiling, in downtown Lexington.

Next to her are graphics highlighting her endorsement by Everytown for Gun Safety and recognition as a Gun Sense Candidate by Moms Demand Action.

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Apr 27

Proud to stand with UCW Kentucky against the University of Kentucky’s attempted outsourcing and Beyond Blue reemployment plans, which will hurt working class Lexingtonians. 💙✊ Sign the petition here: ucwkentucky.org/protect-our-...

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Apr 20

jacquelineforky.com 💙

Emma and Jacqueline Coleman at Pikeville Pride in 2024

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Apr 13

🚨ENDORSEMENT ALERT🚨 Our campaign has been endorsed by LiUNA Local 189, representing hundreds of hardworking Lexington laborers! I’ve spent my entire tenure on Council fighting for the rights and dignity of working people and I always will. 💙✊ #EmmaForLex #LexingtonBelongsToAllOfUs

A graphic from LiUNA! Local 189 highlighting their endorsement of Emma Curtis for Lexington City Council District 4

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Apr 12

The University of Kentucky claims they “want to be a good partner to the City of Lexington.” But “being a good partner to the City of Lexington” means being a good partner to the people who live and work here. I’m proud to stand against UK’s attempts to throw working Lexingtonians under the bus.

Emma speaks at UCW-UKY’s rally against the Integrate Blue initiative. Standing behind her are Councilmember Amy Beasley and LIUNA Local 189 President Jeremy Jenkins.

A graphic which reads:

"As we've seen through this collaboration with the outside firm Deloitte that led to the dissolution of the university's (faculty) senate, the university is straying further and further away from being an institution that centers students and workers," Curtis said.

The university's actions to lessen the voice of staff, Curtis said, shows UK is prioritizing privatization and profit over its commitments to students and staff.

Curtis said during a time in which UK is facing a student housing crisis, the university is prioritizing the funding of a small group of people, like outgoing athletics director Mitch Barnhart, who will receive an annual salary of $950,000 through Aug 31, 2030, according to former Kentucky Kernel reporting.

"Simply put, this action makes it more difficult to live, work and thrive in the city of Lexington," Curtis said. "It doesn't reflect our city's values, it doesn't reflect our people's values.

Lexington deserves better than another betrayal from the University of Kentucky."

United Campus Workers challenge UK's Integrate Blue initiative, Kentucky Kernel, 4/11/2026

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Apr 1

On Saturday, I spoke at our nation’s Capitol about the importance of visibility for transgender Americans during this moment of historic anger and division. We are going to get through this together and we are going to win. 💙

Emma stands behind a podium, wearing a red blazer, addressing a rally in front of the United States Capitol

A graphic reading—

Curtis urged the crowd to see Kentucky as proof of what's possible. She said anti-trans legislation nationwide uses a playbook tested in states like Kentucky - and that the response of trans Kentuckians and their allies offers a model of self-advocacy and solidarity.

"We have been here. We have been doing the work.
And I can tell you now, three years later as an openly trans elected official in one of those states, the single most effective deterrent that we have against these attacks is the mere presence of a visible and competent trans person in the rooms where decisions are made," said Curtis.

"My ask to each and every one of you is simple. Harness your visibility, embrace it, and take it and do good."

"Take it and do good" - Councilwoman Emma Curtis on trans visibility and presence, WUKY, 3/31/2026

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Mar 26

This Saturday, I’ll be in Washington, DC to commemorate #TransDayOfVisibility with @christopherstreet.bsky.social. At this moment of historic fear and division, we must remain united and undeterred in our pursuit of basic freedom, safety, and dignity for every transgender American. 💙 #TDOV

A graphic from Christopher Street Project advertising Emma as a guest speaker at the Trans Day of Visibility rally in Washington, DC on March 28 at 11am.

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Mar 21

Had a great time at the Kentucky Young Democrats convention today! When I was first elected to the KYD Board in 2023, our goal was to get 5 Young Dems to run for office in 2024. In 2026, we have nearly 70 Young Dems running—and a whole lot of us are gonna win this November. Let’s get it done! 💙

Emma poses for a photo with Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Gov. Andy Beshear at the 2026 Kentucky Young Democrats convention.

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Mar 19

As the daughter of a preschool teacher, I know the importance of early childhood education firsthand. #PreKforAll isn’t partisan—it’s just good policy. Proud to join several of my colleagues at The HILL yesterday in support of it. Please call 1-800-372-7181 and urge our legislature to pass HB574.

Councilmembers Tyler Morton, James Brown, Lisa Higgins-Hord, Emma Curtis, and Tom Eblen attend a Pre-K for All event at The HILL in Lexington.

Councilmember Emma Curtis and Rep. Anne Gay Donworth, the primary sponsor of HB574, attend a Pre-K for All event at The HILL in Lexington.

Gov. Andy Beshear speaks at a Pre-K for All event at The HILL in Lexington.

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Mar 18

Municipal government is about delivering competent city services, clearing the roads and picking up the trash. Yesterday, Lexington failed at those basic tasks yet again and there were hundreds of car accidents across our city as a result. Enough is enough.

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Mar 14

I was honored to march with Global Lex in today’s St. Patrick’s Day parade! Our international community is an essential part of our city. No matter where you come from, you have a home here in Lexington. 💚

Emma holds the Global Lex banner and poses with marchers, mostly wearing green, for a photo at the 2026 Lexington St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Mar 10

Scripture tells us to bear no grudges and to love our neighbors—no exceptions. That principle guides me every day as I work to improve life for my neighbors across Lexington.

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Feb 28

Our city and our commonwealth are facing a historic housing crisis. If we are to seriously address it, we must prioritize the basic needs of working Lexingtonians and Kentuckians over the greed of predatory landlords and corporations.

Emma Curtis@emmacurtis· Feb 14

Happy Valentine’s Day 💙