Linda Belcher defeats Rebecca Johnson to reclaim District 49 seat

Linda Belcher won the special election in Bullitt County on Tuesday night to replace Rep. Dan Johnson, who died by suicide amid sexual abuse allegations.

Belcher secured 68.45 percent of the vote, according to the Bullitt County Clerk's office. Rebecca Johnson, Dan Johnson's widow, secured 31.55 percent. There were 4,947 votes cast.

"Cloud nine about describes it," Belcher said. "Our strategies worked. We ran a very positive campaign and we were trying to reach out and touch the people of Bullitt County and we did. I have to thank them for listening to our message."

Just in: Dan Johnson's widow claims voter fraud after losing seat to Linda Belcher

Dan Johnson died by suicide two days after the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting published a story saying he had been accused of molesting a 17-year-old girl at the Fern Creek church where he was pastor. The story also linked him to arson cases and alcohol violations at the church.

Less than 24 hours after his death, his wife said she planned to run for his seat, and she was nominated by the Bullitt County GOP two weeks later.

Belcher is a former school teacher and principal. Like her opponent, she entered politics after her husband died. Democratic Rep. Larry Belcher was killed in a car crash in October 2008, and his wife replaced him on the ballot. She served in the legislature from 2008 to 2012 and from 2014 to 2016, when she lost to Dan Johnson.

Rebecca Johnson had suggested that Linda Belcher was involved in an effort by liberal organizations to destroy her husband, a charge that Belcher rejected.

"The only thing I really want to say at this point is that I know the pain of losing a husband," Belcher told WHAS 11 in December. "I've been through that. I don't wish that on anybody."

Background: Dan Johnson's widow and former lawmaker clash in special House election to replace him

Earlier: Rebecca Johnson, wife of Rep. Dan Johnson, officially nominated to run for husband's seat

Rebecca Johnson also denied the allegations against her husband in the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting expose.

The two had not met face to face for any debates or forums during the two-month campaign. Johnson cited her conflicting schedule and also called the events "fake debates" in a recent Courier Journal interview.

Belcher only said that she was "disappointed" that Johson wouldn't meet.

"I’m proud of the race she ran, and know she will make a quick and profound difference for those she serves," House democratic leader Rocky Adkins said in a statement. "Tonight’s victory is also the first step of our journey to take back the Kentucky House of Representatives, and a week from tonight, during the next special election, we intend to take the second step."

Thomas Novelly: 502-582-4465; tnovelly@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @TomNovelly. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/tomn.