WHY I'M RUNNING

After a lifetime of public service that took me around the globe, nine years ago I retired from the federal government and came home to Meade County. Since 2022, I’ve served on the Meade County Planning and Zoning Commission and experienced firsthand how local government works—or doesn’t. 

Three generations of Domans and a horse: Ann, Susan, Elena, and Casper

Too often, I’ve seen elected officials advance their own agendas, often in secrecy, with little regard for what voters want. We all spend a lot of time watching Washington, but the decisions that shape our daily lives are made closer to home. How our tax dollars are spent, how our kids are educated, how our land is used, and even the quality of our air and water are all decided by local and state leaders.

If you believe—as I do—that we deserve representatives who serve the people, not themselves, then I’m asking for your vote to elect me to the Kentucky House of Representatives for District 27. Together, we can keep Meade County and Radcliff a place we’re proud to call home.

HOW I GOT HERE

Susan as a young naval recruit

I was born in Louisville and grew up between my mom’s home in Jefferson County and my dad's in Meade County. My happiest place has always been our family farm in Stith Valley.

College wasn’t financially in reach then, so ten days after graduating high school, at only 17, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy. I became the first woman from Kentucky to enter the Navy’s nuclear propulsion program. The academics were grueling, and as the only woman in my cohort, I learned quickly that perfection was the standard. It was hard—and it made me strong and resilient.

After six years, I was honorably discharged and went to work at Detroit Edison’s Fermi 2 Nuclear Plant as an instrument repairman. Over the years I earned my Senior Reactor Operator certification, taught the public about nuclear energy while running the Fermi 2 Visitor Center, and served in Washington, D.C., as a federal lobbyist. I also went to college at night and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Toledo.

FOREIGN SERVICE LED ME HOME

Susan hosting a military delegation at the U.S. Department of State

Near graduation, I took a chance on the U.S. Foreign Service exam. Of roughly 20,000 initial applicants, about 30% pass the written test and just 2% pass the oral exam. I was the only one to pass on my testing day. Over the next two decades, I served at home and abroad: on visa and immigration issues in Mexico, counternarcotics in Colombia, peacekeeping operations in Egypt and Israel, and nuclear nonproliferation in Vienna, Austria.

I earned a master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, taught at the Army Command and General Staff College, and served as political adviser to the commanding general of U.S. Army North. My final overseas posting was as spokesperson at U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan.

Through it all, Meade County was home. I returned as often as I could, and when assignments were tough, I pictured myself in Stith Valley, with a large garden and sheep or horses. When I retired nine years ago, I came back for good and made those dreams a reality.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED

Susan on a tank at the Egypt/Israel border

Serving around the world taught me what good government looks like—and what happens when it fails. In well-run places, tax dollars show up in reliable roads, clean water, working sewers, strong public transit, good schools, and accessible health care. Where leadership is poor, you see crumbling infrastructure, pollution, poverty, and hunger. People suffer.

Even in strong systems, too many leaders chase titles instead of results, seeking office to be something rather than to do something. If elected, I will devote my time, energy, and experience to delivering for the people of Meade County and Radcliff by working hard in Frankfort to improve affordability, ensure support to education, and enable smart growth awhile being transparent and accountable for my efforts.

THIS CAMPAIGN

This isn’t about politics to me. It’s about service: listening to people, being transparent, and working hard to make our communities stronger. I’ve served before, and I’m ready to keep serving Meade County and Radcliff.

I NEED YOUR VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026. It's a vote for transparency, affordability, quality education, and

smart growth. Thank you.

Vote for Susan Doman on Tues Nov 3! Kentucky House District 27