Who will run against McGarvey? Meet Republican primary candidates
Bailey Loosemore- Kentucky's primary election day is Tuesday, May 19.
- In-person excused early voting will be May 6-8 and 11-13.
- In-person no-excuse early voting will be May 14-16.
KENTUCKY PRIMARY ELECTIONS 2026
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Four Republicans are vying to take on incumbent U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey — who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary — in the general election.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Find a sample ballot for your address here. Find your precinct and other voter information here.
Find The Courier Journal's full voter guide here.
The following responses were solicited through a form and have been lightly edited for clarity.
Jump to a candidate:Daniel Cobble | David Joseph Nichter | Donald Pay | Maria Rodriguez
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Daniel Cobble
Age: 72
Occupation: Retired
Relevant experience: I've been identifying the issues affecting Louisville since 2000.
What do you think are the two biggest issues facing your district? How would you address them in Congress?
Affordability and health insurance. Louisvillians agree with my assessments that the weak dollar is causing constantly rising prices and taxes. We have to reverse the three antitrust violations causing the $transfer-of-wealth to Wall Street corporations. For starters, this will repair the U.S. tax base to reduce taxes (that will also lower the price of postage).
My free book online, Universal Equity-based Healthcare (EBH), is low-cost health insurance that covers everyone (The-Protect-America-Project.ORG). It's a 3-tier payout system on medical claims. In the book, the low cost is proven by the balance sheet.
In Washington, l will have the national platform to present these REAL solutions to The People.
What separates you from your primary opponents on those issues?
I am polling #1 to win the primary election because I have long shared my knowledge of these bread and butter issues with The People.
Where are Congress and the federal government currently falling short in supporting your district, and how would you address those shortcomings?
Because these are obvious problems ignored by Congress, discussing them in public will force lawmakers to negotiate, and when needed, to even hash it out in court. For example, stopping the Fed's three antitrust violations will stream $millions into Louisville from the resulting tax revenue windfall. This in turn will force Metro Government to reduce taxes. We're talking about the obvious negligent issues that are frustrating taxpayers.
Do you view affordability as a major issue and, if so, how would you work to address it?
Yes. See online my Feb. 2, 2026 24-page letter to NYC Mayor Mamdani at The-Protect-America-Project.INFO, "The Mechanics of Affordability. . ." It discusses the fundamentals of monetary policy, of doing the work of restoring the strong dollar. We're in trouble today because too many officials do not understand monetary policy. Mamdani will fail if raising taxes amidst the weak dollar. The letter also introduces equity-based healthcare.
Do you think Medicaid and/or SNAP should be reformed? If so, what changes do you think are needed?
Equity-based healthcare can easily replace Medicaid while costing taxpayers a fraction of what government is paying today. SNAP is under stress due to the weak dollar. Restoring the strong dollar will bring in $billions in revenues while stopping the tax hikes. Equally so, with the strong dollar reviving the economy, it will reduce the need for SNAP.
If you were to win the primary, how would you pitch yourself to a voter of the opposite party who’s considering voting for you in the general election?
By using the plain language in the above Answers.
What groups, individuals or businesses have endorsed you?
In this environment of government and media putting people "on the spot," I do not seek out endorsements. My biggest endorsement is that I continue to poll #1 to win the May 19 primary election.
David Joseph Nichter
David Joseph Nichter did not submit responses by deadline.
Donald Pay
Age: 28
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Relevant experience: I watched as my father turned around a city and brought it back to life. From student council to business owner, my proudest achievement has been serving my community.
Website:donaldpay.com
What do you think are the two biggest issues facing your district? How would you address them in Congress?
After talking with the voters I see the two biggest concerns being the Economy and Healthcare. If elected to congress I would cut wasteful spending and put those dollars back into the pockets of everyday Americans.
The Healthcare system has been too focused on profiting and not prioritizing efficiency and affordability. I will look to pass legislation that will make the health of America their main priority.
What separates you from your primary opponents on those issues?
Serving the people of Jefferson County is my first priority because I have such a love for the people of this community and my country.
Anyone can run and put together a platform, but I believe what makes an exceptional representative is someone who puts their people ahead of anyone else and if elected to be your representative I will not let you down.
Where are Congress and the federal government currently falling short in supporting your district, and how would you address those shortcomings?
Congress has been passing massive spending bills that are adding more fuel to the fire of inflation which is weakening our dollar.
I would make sure our funds focus directly on making sure our constituents have more money left in their paycheck.
Do you view affordability as a major issue and, if so, how would you work to address it?
Affordability is the main issue for many Americans and I would take a commonsense approach to our spending in Washington. Instead of funding irrelevant projects or sending massive foreign aid, I would look to redirect those funds to benefit our people and our families first.
Do you think Medicaid and/or SNAP should be reformed? If so, what changes do you think are needed?
The biggest issues I've seen with Medicaid and SNAP are the ineffective system of auto denying someone because of document errors, the long delays from staffing shortages, and outdated computer systems.
I would look to leverage AI to make our application process much smoother and efficient while also providing timely updates during the application process.
If you were to win the primary, how would you pitch yourself to a voter of the opposite party who’s considering voting for you in the general election?
Our government has been failing our community by putting their priorities first and I simply will not stand for that. I believe you deserve someone who will put and your families first, not organizations in Washington. As your Congressman I vow to fight daily to make your streets safer, your paychecks larger, and your groceries more affordable.
What groups, individuals or businesses have endorsed you?
No answer provided.
Maria Rodriguez
Age: 37
Occupation: Registered Nurse & Small Business Owner
Relevant experience: As a legal immigrant from Cuba, I know what freedom costs. I built a life here through hard work, and now I serve my community in Louisville, Kentucky. I understand policy impact on families and job creators.
Website:mariaforuscongress.com
What do you think are the two biggest issues facing your district? How would you address them in Congress?
The two biggest issues are inflation crushing working families and border security. In Congress, I’ll fight to cut reckless spending that drives prices up and unleash Kentucky energy to lower costs. I’ll secure the border to stop fentanyl and protect legal immigration, the process I followed from Cuba. I’ll back tax cuts for families and small businesses so Kentuckians keep more of what they earn.
What separates you from your primary opponents on those issues?
I’ve lived the difference between socialism and freedom. I came here legally from Cuba and won’t apologize for putting America First. While career politicians talk, I’ll fight to finish the wall, cut spending, and defend our Constitution. I’m not owned by special interests. I’m accountable to Kentucky families.
Where are Congress and the federal government currently falling short in supporting your district, and how would you address those shortcomings?
Washington sends us mandates, not solutions. DC ignores rural broadband, over regulates our farmers, and wastes tax dollars while Kentuckians struggle. I’ll push to return power to states, cut red tape for local businesses, and ensure federal funds actually reach our district for infrastructure, veterans, and first responders.
Do you view affordability as a major issue and, if so, how would you work to address it?
Yes. Covid and past administration spending made groceries, gas, and housing unaffordable. In Congress I’ll vote to cut wasteful spending, expand American energy, and make Trump tax cuts permanent. Freedom means keeping what you earn.
Do you think Medicaid and/or SNAP should be reformed? If so, what changes do you think are needed?
Yes. We must preserve the safety net for those who truly need it, seniors, disabled, and children, while stopping fraud and abuse. Add work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. Give states flexibility to manage programs efficiently. As an immigrant who earned my way, I believe aid should be a hand up, not a permanent handout.
If you were to win the primary, how would you pitch yourself to a voter of the opposite party who’s considering voting for you in the general election?
I know what it’s like to lose freedom. I’ll fight for everyone’s right to speak, work, and raise your family as you see fit. I’ll work across the aisle on jobs, safety, and lowering costs, because Kentucky comes first, not party.
What groups, individuals or businesses have endorsed you?
- Kentucky Right to Life
- Andy Barr — Congressman KY District 6
- Mike Nemes — KY State Senator
- John Hodgson — KY State Representative District 36
- Susan Tyler Witten — KY State Representative District 31
- Chris Lewis — KY State Representative District 29
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