Kentucky, January 2, 2026
As Kentucky approaches its electoral season, significant races are unfolding ahead of the November elections. With primary elections on the horizon, a competitive field of candidates, including incumbents stepping down and fresh faces emerging, seeks to impact local governance at various levels. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are set for transformative changes as Kentuckians engage in shaping their political landscape. This election cycle presents a unique opportunity for voters to participate in the democratic process and influence the future direction of the state.
Upcoming 2026 Elections in Kentucky: Key Races and Candidates
Louisville, KY, is poised for a pivotal electoral season as the state gears up for a series of significant elections on November 3, 2026. With the primary elections set for May 19, 2026, this election cycle promises to showcase a blend of fresh candidates and seasoned politicians vying for important offices across federal, state, and local levels. This election not only highlights the democratic process but also reflects the ongoing engagement of Kentucky’s citizens in shaping their government.
With incumbents stepping aside and new contenders emerging, the landscape of Kentucky politics is ripe for exploration. Highlighting the importance of local entrepreneurship and business resilience, this blog post dives into the key races and candidates in the upcoming elections, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Kentucky’s political landscape.
United States Senate Election
The most notable shift in the political arena comes as incumbent Republican Senator Mitch McConnell announces he will not seek re-election after an impressive tenure that began in 1984. This opens the door for a competitive field of candidates eager to step into one of the most powerful roles in the nation. The Republican contenders include:
- Andy Barr: U.S. Representative for Kentucky’s 6th District since 2013.
- Daniel Cameron: Former Kentucky Attorney General (2019–2024) and 2023 gubernatorial candidate.
- Michael Faris: Helicopter maintenance business owner.
- Nate Morris: Owner of a business conglomerate.
Across the aisle, the Democratic candidates seeking to gain traction in this traditionally Republican stronghold include:
- Charles Booker: Former state representative (2019–2021) and 2022 U.S. Senate nominee.
- Logan Forsythe: Attorney.
- Amy McGrath: Member of the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors (2022–present) and 2020 U.S. Senate nominee.
- Dale Romans: Horse trainer.
- Pamela Stevenson: Minority leader of the Kentucky House of Representatives (2025–present) and 2023 Attorney General nominee.
- Joel Willett: Defense contractor.
United States House of Representatives Elections
All six of Kentucky’s congressional districts will hold elections, further emphasizing the importance of local representation:
- District 1: Incumbent Republican James Comer is seeking re-election.
- District 2: Incumbent Republican Brett Guthrie faces a primary challenge from Joshua Ferguson, a former constable.
- District 3: Incumbent Democrat Morgan McGarvey is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.
- District 4: Incumbent Republican Thomas Massie is seeking re-election.
- District 5: Incumbent Republican Hal Rogers is running unopposed.
- District 6: With Republican Andy Barr running for Senate, the seat is open with Democratic candidates including Cherlynn Stevenson, Zach Dembo, David Kloiber, and Erin Petrey.
Kentucky House of Representatives Elections
All 100 seats in the Kentucky House of Representatives are up for election, providing an opportunity for fresh perspectives:
- District 43: Democratic Minority Leader Pamela Stevenson is retiring to run for the U.S. Senate.
- District 95: Democrat Ashley Tackett Laferty is retiring to pursue a District Court Judge position.
- District 73: Republican Ryan Dotson is stepping down to run for Kentucky’s 6th congressional district.
- District 91: Republican Bill Wesley is retiring to run for Kentucky’s 30th Senate district.
Mayoral Elections
Local leadership is equally critical, with the following mayoral elections in key cities:
- Louisville: Incumbent Democrat Craig Greenberg is seeking re-election in the first nonpartisan mayoral election following a 2024 change in election law.
- Lexington: Incumbent Republican Linda Gorton is running for a third term.
Election Calendar
- Primary Election Date: May 19, 2026
- General Election Date: November 3, 2026
- Voter Registration Deadlines:
- Primary Election: April 20, 2026
- General Election: October 5, 2026
For a comprehensive list of candidates and more detailed information, voters are encouraged to refer to the Kentucky Secretary of State’s official election calendar.
Conclusion
The upcoming elections in Kentucky represent an exciting moment for citizens to engage in the democratic process and make their voices heard. With various key races on the ballot, from the U.S. Senate to local mayoral positions, every vote will count in determining the future direction of the state. As we approach the election dates, it is vital for Kentuckians to stay informed and active, supporting local initiatives and candidates committed to fostering economic growth and enhancing community development.
FAQ
When are the 2026 Kentucky elections scheduled?
The primary elections are scheduled for May 19, 2026, and the general elections will be held on November 3, 2026.
Who are the declared candidates for the U.S. Senate election in Kentucky?
Republican candidates include Andy Barr, Daniel Cameron, Michael Faris, and Nate Morris. Democratic candidates include Charles Booker, Logan Forsythe, Amy McGrath, Dale Romans, Pamela Stevenson, and Joel Willett.
Which Kentucky House of Representatives seats are up for election in 2026?
All 100 seats in the Kentucky House of Representatives are up for election in 2026.
Who are the candidates for the Louisville mayoral election in 2026?
Incumbent Democrat Craig Greenberg is seeking re-election in the first nonpartisan mayoral election following a 2024 change in election law.
What are the voter registration deadlines for the 2026 Kentucky elections?
The deadline to register to vote in the primary election is April 20, 2026, and for the general election, it is October 5, 2026.
| Election | Position | Incumbent | Key Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Senate | Senator | Mitch McConnell (Republican) | Andy Barr (Republican), Daniel Cameron (Republican), Charles Booker (Democrat), Amy McGrath (Democrat) |
| U.S. House of Representatives | Representative | Various | James Comer (Republican), Brett Guthrie (Republican), Morgan McGarvey (Democrat), Thomas Massie (Republican), Hal Rogers (Republican), Cherlynn Stevenson (Democrat) |
| Kentucky House of Representatives | Representative | Various | Pamela Stevenson (Democrat), Ashley Tackett Laferty (Democrat), Ryan Dotson (Republican), Bill Wesley (Republican) |
| Louisville Mayoral Election | Mayor | Craig Greenberg (Democrat) | Craig Greenberg (Democrat) |
| Lexington Mayoral Election | Mayor | Linda Gorton (Republican) | Linda Gorton (Republican), Raquel Carter (Republican) |
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