Melinda Gibbons Prunty

Prunty earned a bachelor's degree in physical therapy from the University of Kentucky in 1979.[1] She also holds a Master of Theological Studies degree from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Saint Meinrad, Indiana, which she completed in 2010.[1]

Prunty and her husband, Marshall, have three daughters – Kaci, Lindsay, and Hillary.[1] Marshall Prunty, a doctor, was unsuccessful in three attempts to capture the 15th district seat in the Kentucky House.[1][2]

Prunty was raised in the Methodist church, but converted to Roman Catholicism as an adult.[3][4] She served as director of the Office of Youth Ministry for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Owensboro, resigning in 2016 to seek public office.[2][4]

In 2016, Prunty filed as a Republican to challenge incumbent Democrat Brent Yonts for his seat representing Kentucky's 15th district in the state House of Representatives.[1] She said her primary impetus for running was the passage of more pro-life legislation.[2] Her other stated priorities as a candidate were to reduce regulations, particularly those affecting small businesses and the coal industry; improving the quality and lowering the cost of healthcare, especially for veterans; reforming adoption law; and strengthening protections for religious freedom and gun rights.[1]

In the November 8, 2016, general election Prunty defeated Yonts by a vote of 10,597 to 7,973.[5] Yonts told The Messenger-Inquirer, "It wasn't me, it was Trump," noting that over half of the 15th district voted a Republican straight ticket, with presidential candidate Donald Trump at the top of the ballot.[6] Prunty's election was part of a Republican landslide in Kentucky that saw the party take control of the state House for the first time since 1921.[7] Including Prunty, 17 Republican challengers unseated Democratic incumbents in the election, turning a 53-47 Democratic majority into a 64-36 Republican majority.[7]