Name: Rachel Bray
Political party: Democrat
Age: 43
Education:
- Holy Name School
- Henderson County High School Class of 2001
- Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Kentucky
- Bachelor’s in Social Studies Secondary Education from the University of Southern Indiana
- Master’s Degree in Special Education
- Rank 1 in School Administration
Experience: I have worked as an educator for 14 years.
Current occupation: Teacher
Family: Daughters, Dessa Ann and Marissa; Mother, Dessa Wedding Bray; Father, George Bray; and Brother, Christopher Bray
Why did you decide to run for this position?
As I look back on my memories throughout my life, Henderson, KY holds such a special place in my heart. It is with this intention in mind that I have decided to run for office. I have had many discussions with my daughters about advocating for what is right and being a leader in their communities. From this push of my girls to be their best, they have pushed me back to step up my game. After numerous meetings, conversations, and concerns over local issues my youngest daughter reminded me that if I was not happy with the way things were then it was my responsibility as a citizen of this community to fix it. I am here to support my neighbors, our natural habitats, and to keep Henderson recognizable for future generations so that they may want to continue to live here, raise their children here, and grow old in our community while also fostering a love for the outdoors and nature.
Why do you believe you are the best choice for this seat?
I hold many active roles in our community and public service has been instilled in me since I was young. I believe that I would be the best candidate for this office because I would be responsive to our community’s concerns and calls for action. I love my hometown with all my heart, I want to keep it a place where people want to live and raise their families. Henderson has a long legacy of being beautiful and having access to nature. Let’s keep it that way!
What are your top priorities for the next term, if elected?
My top priorities for the next term is to make sure that the residents of Henderson County have their voices heard, that they are being represented in our local government, and that the community’s interests are being met ahead of corporations or the bottom line for certain neighbors. If we all support one another and this community we can be prosperous together and not at the cost of our neighbors or the community.
A final brief statement to support your candidacy.
Henderson needs to have individuals who represent the people of our community, who live here, work here, and are working towards the same future goals that members of our community have. Agriculture plays a large role in Henderson’s unique portfolio. I want to guarantee that there will be a place for future farmers and entrepreneurs who would like to pursue an avenue of agricultural work or business when they get older.
I love being outdoors and I want to protect our wildlife, their migration paths, and their natural habitats. Protecting working farms, preserving wildlife migration corridors, and conserving natural habitats are essential not only for healthy ecosystems, but also for the future of ethical, sustainable hunting. When farms are safeguarded from unnecessary development, they continue to provide open space and food sources that support wildlife populations. Maintaining natural migration paths allows animals to move, breed, and thrive as they have for generations. By conserving forests, wetlands, and grasslands, we protect the balance of nature that makes responsible hunting possible—ensuring strong wildlife numbers, cleaner water, healthier soils, and outdoor traditions that can be passed on to future generations. Let’s work together to protect Henderson’s unique habitats, agricultural heritage, and small town atmosphere!
