A County Clerk and proven leader you can depend on.
David Yates is the Jefferson County Clerk, sworn in on October 8, 2025. David stepped into this role with deep respect for the responsibility it carries and a clear focus on serving Jefferson County residents with integrity, efficiency, and care.
David is an attorney and long-time public servant. Born and raised in South Louisville, David is a graduate of Holy Cross High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Louisville in 2003 and a Juris Doctor from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University in 2006.
David began his career as a law clerk for United States District Judge William Bertelsman and then with the Commonwealth Attorney’s office. From 2006 to 2008, Yates served as Assistant Attorney General of Kentucky. Thereafter, Yates was an attorney for the UAW. He has since worked as a personal injury attorney, owning his own Law Practice for almost 15 years.
David was the youngest member elected to the Louisville Metro Council in 2010, where he served until 2020. During that time, Yates was also elected twice by his colleagues to serve as the Louisville Metro Council President for two consecutive terms. He is still the youngest member ever elected to be Metro Council president. He was elected to the Kentucky Senate in November 2020 and assumed office on January 1, 2021, and served as the Minority Whip until being sworn in to serve as Jefferson County Attorney on October 8th.
As County Clerk, David is committed to modernizing the office to better serve the public. His priorities include expanding digital access to records, streamlining voter registration, and improving customer service across all divisions of the Clerk’s Office. David believes government should be easy to navigate, responsive, and accessible to everyone—regardless of background or circumstance.
David brings years of public service experience and a strong understanding of how local government can work better for the people it serves. His leadership is guided by the belief that the Clerk’s Office should be a trusted resource for residents and a model of professionalism, transparency, and innovation.
As Jefferson County Clerk, David is working every day to build an office that honors its public mission while embracing smart, common-sense improvements that make life easier for the people of Jefferson County.
David lives in South Louisville with his wife, Lindsey, and his daughters, Ava and Grace.
Experience That Matters
Bringing People Together
David has a unique ability to bring people from all sides together to create meaningful legislation and good public policy that strengthens our community.
Proven Leadership
Through his leadership and teamwork, David has facilitated projects in District 25 to improve infrastructure, make our neighborhoods safer, and grow our local economy, such as The Regional Libraries, Colonial Gardens Revitalization, and New Dixie Redevelopment.
A Champion for Families and Workers
David has been a champion for family rights, workers’ rights, and public safety, while simultaneously leading Louisville’s and Kentucky’s economic development to new heights.
David routinely partners with local businesses, volunteers, and nonprofits to make sure that our underprivileged children and families in crisis receive help. David created and leads two annual programs for students in need, Chase Gavin Coat-A-Kid and Metro Council Backpack Drive. Through his efforts and working with many different groups, thousands of local school kids received coats and supplies without spending any tax dollars.