News Summary
Zach Dembo, a former federal prosecutor and U.S. Navy judge advocate general, declares his candidacy for Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District. As a Democratic hopeful, he aims to flip the seat, currently held by Republican Andy Barr, who is transitioning to a U.S. Senate run. Dembo’s campaign focuses on economic issues and health care, hoping to gain traction against established candidates within his party and a range of Republican challengers. With the upcoming primaries in May 2026, Dembo seeks to connect with local voters and address their pressing concerns.
Lexington, KY – Zach Dembo, a 39-year-old former federal prosecutor and U.S. Navy judge advocate general, has announced his candidacy for Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District. His announcement comes as the district prepares for a competitive election cycle, with primary elections set for May 2026.
Dembo is a fresh face in the political arena, highlighting his extensive background in public service as a key reason for his decision to run. With aspirations to flip the district from Republican to Democrat, he emphasizes his qualifications and experience in government, hoping to resonate with voters who prioritize effective leadership.
This is Dembo’s initial bid for elected office, and he will be competing against former state representative Cherlynn Stevenson and former Lexington-Fayette Urban County Councilman David Kloiber for the Democratic nomination. Both Stevenson and Kloiber have reportedly made substantial progress in their fundraising efforts, signaling a competitive primary landscape.
Dembo faces a range of Republican contenders, including state representatives Deanna Gordon and Ryan Dotson, as well as former state senator Ralph Alvarado, who coincidentally announced his candidacy on the same day as Dembo. The current position is held by Republican Andy Barr, who is vacating the seat to pursue a run for the U.S. Senate in 2026.
The 6th Congressional District, anchored by Lexington, has been a Republican stronghold since Barr’s win in 2012. Democrats have struggled to gain a foothold, having come close to victory only once since Barr’s tenure began. In the 2024 election, President Donald Trump secured the district by about 15 points. However, Dembo and other Democratic strategists see an opportunity in Barr’s decision to step down, with expectations that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee will actively support efforts to flip the seat.
Dembo draws attention to recent shifts in political forecasting regarding the district, noting a transition from “safe Republican” to “likely Republican.” This change, alongside Governor Andy Beshear’s recent 20-point victory in the district, fuels Dembo’s optimism about a potential Democratic resurgence.
With a rich background that includes teaching with Teach for America in the Mississippi Delta, serving as a Navy judge advocate general, and working as a federal prosecutor, Dembo’s life experiences shape his political perspective. He expresses particular concern over economic issues impacting local communities, such as tariffs affecting industries in the region and proposed Medicaid spending cuts that could threaten rural hospitals.
Dembo’s platform also addresses international concerns, specifically the Israel-Palestine conflict. While he supports a two-state solution and acknowledges Israel as a vital American ally, he expresses reservations about some decisions made by the Israeli government.
As a ninth-generation Kentuckian, Dembo places a strong emphasis on connecting with the everyday concerns of voters. He intends to prioritize issues like healthcare accessibility, job quality, and the rising cost of living, advocating for the needs of Kentuckians over party allegiance.
The political stage for Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District is set for an exciting race in the upcoming months. With Dembo entering the fray, along with experienced candidates on both sides, the upcoming primaries will undoubtedly capture the attention of voters keen on shaping the future of their representation in Congress.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky Lantern: Federal Prosecutor Seeks Congressional Seat
- Wikipedia: Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District
- LEX 18: Former Federal Prosecutor Enters Race
- Google Search: Kentucky politics
- Kentucky.com: Kentucky Politics News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political Party
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
