Washington, Jul 17 (AP) — Ralph Alvarado, the trailblazing first Hispanic state legislator in Kentucky, is reentering Bluegrass State politics by declaring his candidacy for an open congressional seat targeting Democrats in 2026, after a stint as Tennessee’s chief public health official. Alvarado, a medical doctor and immigrant son, enters the race for Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, currently held by Republican Rep. Andy Barr. Barr has set his sights on succeeding Sen. Mitch McConnell, former Republican Senate leader, in the upcoming midterm election.
Alvarado, once seen as a rising conservative force in the Kentucky Senate, emphasized his commitment to President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda as he launched his congressional bid. “Kentuckians are fed up with open borders, sky-high prices, and unelected bureaucrats who trample our freedoms,” stated Alvarado. “I'm running for Congress to fight for working families, stop the invasion at our southern border once and for all, and fight the woke agenda.”
Republican state Reps. Ryan Dotson and Deanna Gordon have also entered the House race, highlighting their conservative principles, setting the stage for a competitive primary next spring.
The Democratic race expanded on Thursday with former federal prosecutor Zach Dembo announcing his candidacy. Dembo, who also served as a policy adviser for Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, aims to create good-paying jobs, fight against Medicaid cuts, and oppose tariffs harming essential Kentucky industries. “Central Kentucky deserves a representative in Washington who stands up for families, works to lower their cost of living, expands access to affordable healthcare, and protects their safety," he emphasized.
National Democrats are eyeing Kentucky's 6th District as one of many across the country to target in hopes of reclaiming the closely divided House in 2026. Other Democratic contenders include former state Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson and ex-Lexington city councilman David Kloiber.
Alvarado's campaign noted he maintained his Kentucky connections even while serving in Tennessee, keeping his longtime home in Clark County within the district and continuing medical work locally. He frequently traveled back multiple times each month.
He made history as Kentucky's first Hispanic legislator, being elected first in 2014, and attributes his successful career to the sacrifices of his immigrant parents from Costa Rica and Argentina.
Alvarado partnered with then-Gov. Matt Bevin in a run for state office in 2019, though Bevin was defeated by Beshear. Alvarado later stepped down from the Kentucky Senate to assume the role of Tennessee’s health department commissioner under Republican Gov. Bill Lee in 2023. Lee recently announced Alvarado's departure, acknowledging his faithful service during his tenure.
Alvarado's 2019 campaign role alongside Bevin might surface as a talking point in the upcoming congressional race, considering Bevin's confrontational style alienated many Kentucky voters. The 6th District covers central Kentucky's bluegrass area, stretching to the Appalachian foothills. It has oscillated between Democratic and Republican representation but has been secured by Barr for the GOP for over a decade, surviving a formidable Democratic challenge in 2018.
Since then, Republican-led redistricting removed Democratic-leaning Frankfort from the 6th District, seemingly raising the stakes for Democrats. The district includes Democratic-leaning Lexington, the state’s second-largest city, while encompassing several rural Republican strongholds. (AP)
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