LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) -- It was a night that illustrated girl power in Kentucky both nationally and locally.
Democrat Amy McGrath defeated Lexington Mayor Jim Gray in the primary. Known as the first female Marine to fly in an F-18 fighter jet in combat, McGrath will be on the national radar when she faces Republican incumbent Andy Barr in the general election.
“You made history and I'm eternally grateful,” McGrath told supporters after announcing her victory.
In Louisville, history was made as well. Republican Angela Leet became the first female mayoral candidate in the city's history.
“It adds value on all kinds of levels to what we're going to accomplish and what part of that policy platform will be,” Leet said.
Other female incumbents continued their stronghold. Republican Julie Raque Adams has represented the state's 36th Senate District since 2010. She'll face a female challenger, Democrat Sheri Donahue in the general election
Out of 50 states, Kentucky ranks 42nd with the number of women that hold public office. So--Republican or Democrat--overall it was a win for the women of Kentucky.
“When I was in college, 1992 was the year of the woman. That's not so...but we're going to make 2018 the true year of the women,” Jennifer Moore, Emerge Kentucky founder, said.
Other major wins for the Kentucky women, Democrat Nima Kulkarney beat incumbent Dennis Orlander. She's not only a woman but if she wins she will become the first Indian-American to be elected to public office in Kentucky.