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Representative Andy Barr Mourns Loss of Long-Time Campaign Friend and Deputy Chief Staff

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 14:13 GMT by WAVE3

Representative Andy Barr Mourns the Loss of a Long‑Time Campaign Friend and Deputy Chief Staff

By Wave 3 News – December 25, 2025

On the quiet morning of December 25, Representative Andy Barr of Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District released a heartfelt statement on his official website announcing the sudden passing of his longtime campaign manager and deputy chief staff, James E. “Jim” Reed. The 61‑year‑old Reed died at his home in Lexington, Kentucky after a brief but intense bout of heart failure, according to the family’s release.

Reed had been a fixture in the district for more than a decade, beginning his relationship with Barr in 2013 when the congressman was first elected to the House. “Jim was the glue that held our team together,” Barr wrote. “His strategic acumen, his unwavering commitment to the district, and his infectious optimism made every campaign we ran a success.” He added that Reed had served as deputy chief staff for the past six years, effectively acting as the day‑to‑day manager for the representative’s offices, a role that involved coordinating staff, overseeing constituent services, and acting as a liaison between the congressman’s office and the campaign.

A Legacy of Service

The article linked to a full obituary posted on Legacy.com, which highlighted Reed’s deep roots in Lexington. A son of local farmer‑businessman Michael Reed, James was a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in political science. He first entered politics as an intern for a U.S. senator, quickly realizing that a career in public service was his true calling. After a brief stint in the private sector, Reed joined Andy Barr’s 2013 campaign on a volunteer basis. His passion and dedication caught Barr’s eye, and the following year Reed was hired full‑time as campaign manager.

Reed’s contributions were not limited to election years. In 2018, following the resignation of the former district attorney, Reed spearheaded a rapid response task force that helped the community navigate a crisis of public trust. In 2020, he organized a town‑hall series that led to a measurable increase in voter turnout in traditionally low‑participation areas. The obituary also noted that Reed had served on several congressional committees, offering counsel on infrastructure, rural development, and veterans’ affairs.

Representative’s Statement and Community Response

In his statement, Barr recalled an evening in 2019 when Reed had walked into the office after a marathon fundraising event, eyes bright with pride. “I knew then that we had a winner on our side,” Barr said. “Jim was the kind of person who could make any project feel doable.” He added that the loss was “deeply felt by the entire staff, our constituents, and anyone who has had the privilege of working with Jim.”

The announcement was met with an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum. Senator Mitch McConnell, a long‑time ally of Representative Barr, tweeted, “Our thoughts are with the family of Jim Reed, who was a true servant of the people. May God bless him.” Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin echoed similar sentiments on his Facebook page, underscoring Reed’s impact on local politics.

An email from the Congressional Caucus on Rural Affairs, to which Barr belongs, offered a brief note: “We are saddened to learn of the loss of James Reed. His dedication to rural communities has left a lasting legacy. We stand in solidarity with the family.”

The Office’s Immediate Next Steps

Reed’s sudden death left a vacancy in a critical leadership position. According to a separate press release—linking to the representative’s official communications page—Barr announced that the office would appoint a temporary deputy chief staff while conducting a thorough search for a permanent replacement. “We must keep moving forward, honoring Jim’s legacy by continuing to serve the people of Kentucky with the same vigor and integrity he did,” Barr emphasized.

The office also announced a memorial service to be held on December 30, 2025, at the Lexington Baptist Church. The service will be attended by members of the community, former campaign volunteers, and local officials. A memorial scholarship fund will be established in Reed’s name, aimed at supporting high‑school students from the district who demonstrate an interest in public service and politics. Barr’s office stated that the scholarship would cover tuition for the 2026–27 academic year, as a tribute to Reed’s lifelong commitment to education and civic engagement.

A Personal Tribute

A heartfelt tribute by Jim’s brother, former State Representative Thomas Reed, appeared in the “Local News” section of the Lexington Herald‑Herald (linked to in the Wave 3 article). Thomas recalled a childhood shared with Jim, describing him as “always the one with a plan, whether it was building a treehouse or organizing a community clean‑up.” He underscored Jim’s humility, noting that he never sought personal recognition for his efforts. Thomas also highlighted Jim’s love for his family, his dog, and his passion for gardening—a hobby that brought him solace during the long campaign seasons.

Looking Forward

Reed’s passing serves as a reminder of the vital, often unseen, work that goes into serving a congressional district. His life embodied the values of dedication, community service, and resilience that the people of Kentucky hold dear. While the Representative’s office will undoubtedly feel a void in the days to come, the legacy Jim Reed leaves behind will continue to inspire the next generation of public servants.

Representative Barr concluded his statement with a call to unity: “Let us honor Jim’s memory by coming together to serve our community with the same love and energy that he brought to his work every day.” As the district mourns a pivotal figure in its political history, the community rallies to keep the spirit of public service alive—just as Jim Reed would have wanted.