Your guide to candidates running in Kentucky's 2026 primary elections
Bailey LoosemoreKENTUCKY PRIMARY ELECTIONS 2026
U.S. Senate | 3rd Congressional District | 4th Congressional District | 6th Congressional District | Kentucky Senate | Kentucky House | Louisville Mayor | Louisville Metro Council | Jefferson County Attorney | Jefferson County Sheriff | Jefferson County Clerk
A tense battle for an open U.S. Senate seat.
A Republican primary that could be a referendum on President Donald Trump's influence.
Three Jefferson County offices that will have new leaders for the first time in decades.
All will be on the ballot when Kentuckians head to the polls for the 2026 primary elections.
Ahead of the vote, Courier Journal reporters put together a guide on dozens of candidates running for state and local seats around Louisville, as well as noteworthy congressional races.
Louisville's mayoral and Metro Council races will be nonpartisan for the first time in 2026, meaning candidates will not be identified by party on the ballot. The top two vote-getters in races with more than two candidates will move on to the general election.
Our guide does not include candidates who are running uncontested.
An online portal for mail-in ballot requests opened April 4. In-person excused voting begins May 6, and in-person no excuse voting begins May 14. Primary election day is May 19.
Find your voting location and a sample ballot for your precinct at jeffersoncountyclerk.org/wheredoivote.
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Meet Kentucky's U.S. Senate candidates
Battle for McConnell's seat: More than a dozen candidates are vying to fill the seat being vacated by longtime U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, including three high-profile Republicans who've been campaigning since early 2025, along with two Democrats who've previously received their party's nomination for the seat.
Learn about the U.S. Senate candidates.
Meet Kentucky's 3rd Congressional District candidates
Who will take on Morgan McGarvey?: U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey, who represents Louisville in D.C., is running unopposed for reelection in the Democratic primary. But four Republicans are competing to face him in November.
Learn about the 3rd Congressional District candidates.
Meet Kentucky's 4th Congressional District candidates
Massie vs. Trump: U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie has been a thorn in President Trump's side since he resumed office in January 2025. Trump has called for voters to get Massie out of office, endorsing former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein as the candidate to beat him. But they're not the only candidates running.
Learn about the 4th Congressional District candiates.
Meet Kentucky's 6th Congressional District candidates
Will it flip?: With Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr running for U.S. Senate, a dozen candidates — plus the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee — have set their eyes on the open office, with Democrats hoping it can help them gain back control of the U.S. House.
Learn about the 6th Congressional District candidates.
Meet Kentucky state Senate candidates
State races to watch: Even-numbered state Senate districts are up for election in 2026, with competitive primaries in four around Louisville — including a race between a former school board member and a former professional basketball player.
Learn about the state Senate candidates.
Meet Kentucky state House candidates
State races to watch: All state House districts are up for election in 2026, with competitive primaries in nine around Louisville — including a heated race in District 30, where incumbent Rep. Daniel Grossberg is facing three Democratic challengers.
Learn about the state House candidates.
Meet Louisville mayoral candidates
Rematch: Incumbent Mayor Craig Greenberg will face 11 opponents to keep his seat, including Metro Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright, who previously ran against Greenberg in the 2022 Democratic primary.
Learn about candidates for mayor.
Meet Louisville Metro Council candidates
Fight for the majority: Six Metro Council seats will make primary ballots, with more than two candidates running in those races. Several play a role in a Republican Party plan to take the majority, which the Democratic Party has vowed to keep.
Learn about Metro Council candidates.
Meet Jefferson County attorney candidates
New county attorney: Two Democrats are running to fill the seat being vacated by longtime Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell.
Learn about county attorney candidates.
Meet Jefferson County sheriff candidates
A new sheriff in town: Three Democrats and one Republican are running to permanently lead the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, a position currently held by interim Sheriff David James.
Learn about candidates for sheriff.
Meet Jefferson County clerk candidates
Can interim clerk become permanent?: Interim Jefferson County Clerk David Yates is running to keep the seat against Democratic challenger Roz Welch.
Learn about county clerk candidates.
Have a tip, question or story idea? Reach the Courier Journal politics team at [email protected].