Kentucky Senator Faces Ethics Complaint Over Nonprofit Funding Allegations

Louisville — A Louisville constituent has filed an ethics complaint against a Republican state senator over allegations that she improperly received more than $80,000 from her own nonprofit organization.

According to reports, Emily Brook Benningfield filed the complaint against Julie Raque Adams, who represents Louisville, after it was revealed she received compensation from the nonprofit Kentucky Strong.

The information was first reported by the Kentucky Lantern.

Since 2015, Adams has served as executive director of Kentucky Strong Inc., a nonprofit described in IRS filings as an organization focused on training Republican women to seek and hold public office.

Reports indicate Adams has received $80,500 from the nonprofit since 2023. During that same period, Kentucky Strong was funded by groups with interests in the General Assembly, including:

$50,000 from Revolutionary Racing, which operates Sandy’s Racing & Gaming in Ashland
$25,000 from Churchill Downs
$15,000 from Charter Communications
$15,000 from LG&E and KU Energy

Adams told the Kentucky Lantern that her compensation was “nominal,” averaging about $7,300 per year. However, Benningfield alleges the funds were underreported and not properly disclosed.

In a Facebook post on April 8, Adams denied any wrongdoing.

“What is being alleged is grossly misconstrued. I’m the Executive Director of an 11-year-old organization I founded to help Republican women be successful in winning elections and staying in office,” Adams said. “It’s small, it’s a support that’s there for those who need it and everything has been properly disclosed with the IRS.”

The ethics complaint accuses Adams of multiple violations, including:

Accepting compensation tied to legislative duties
Receiving value from legislative agents and employers
Using her official position for financial gain
Conflicts between personal interests and public duties
Voting conflicts of interest
Filing false or misleading financial disclosures

Benningfield, a Louisville resident, has previously donated to Democratic candidates and organizations, including the Jefferson County Democratic Party and Democratic candidate Gary Clemons. Records show she contributed $390 in 2025.

Adams’ Democratic challenger, Sarah Cole McIntosh, also weighed in, calling for accountability.

“My opponent Julie Raque Adams has funneled into her own pocket over $80,000 in corporate donations and contributions from lobbyists, while serving as chair of a committee with authority over these groups. Kentuckians deserve answers, and I look forward to a thorough investigation from the Ethics Commission,” McIntosh said.

The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission, which enforces ethics rules for lawmakers and lobbyists, is responsible for reviewing the complaint.

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