J. T. Payne

J. T. Payne
Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives
from the 11th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 1, 2025
Preceded byJonathan Dixon
Personal details
Born (1998-06-12) June 12, 1998 (age 26)
Reed, Kentucky
Political partyRepublican
EducationMurray State University (BS, M.A.Ed)
OccupationEducator

James Thomas Payne (born June 12, 1998) is an American politician and member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from Kentucky's 11th House District, and assumed office on January 1, 2025. His district includes all of Henderson County.[1]

Background

Payne was raised in Reed, Kentucky, an unincorporated community located in Henderson County.[2] He graduated from Henderson County High School in 2016, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Murray State University in 2019.[3] During his time at Murray, Payne was elected student body president, and served as the student representative on the university's board of regents as well as chair of the Kentucky Board of Student Body Presidents.[4] Following graduation, he was hired by Henderson County High School. He returned to Murray and earned a Master of Arts in Education in teacher leadership in 2021 as well as another M.A.Ed in educational administration in 2024.[3]

Currently, Payne serves as Assistant Principal for Career and Technical Education at Henderson County High School. Prior to this role, he was an agriculture teacher and advisor to the school's Future Farmers of America chapter.[1][5]

Political career

Elections

References

  1. ^ a b c "With no challenger, Payne begins early prep for legislature". The Hendersonian. 2024-01-06. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  2. ^ "JT Payne for State Representative". Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  3. ^ a b "Henderson County High School - New Assistant Principal, Career and Technical Education Unit, J.T. Payne". hchs.henderson.kyschools.us. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  4. ^ Marking, Destinee (August 30, 2018). "Payne reveals plans for presidency". The Murray State News. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  5. ^ "Payne will take on CTE assistant principal as well as state rep next year". The Hendersonian. 2024-05-07. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  6. ^ "J.T. Payne (Kentucky)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2024-09-01.