Walter Demaree "Jody" Richards Jr.[1] (born February 20, 1938) is an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1976 until 2019.

While still in his first term, Speaker Richards was called upon to chair the House's Education Committee.

In 1987, Richards was chosen by his Democratic colleagues in the House to serve as their Majority Caucus Chairman, one of the body's five leadership positions.

On January 6, 2009, Richards, was defeated by Greg Stumbo in the internal election for the position of Speaker of the House.

Brown III, former Kentucky Secretary of State and son of former governor and KFC magnate John Y.