LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Before Kentucky voters head to the polls for the May primary, they heard from five Democratic candidates hoping to take the seat occupied by retiring U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell.
The candidates faced off in a debate Monday night in Louisville.
The top five Democrats up for election are Charles Booker, Logan Forsythe, Amy McGrath, Dale Romans and Pamela Stevenson. They participated in a Lincoln-Douglas-style debate, with candidates answering questions and facing rebuttals from other candidates.
The primary election in Kentucky is about a month away. Last month, the top three Republican candidates in the race — U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris — participated in a similar debate back on March 16.
You can watch the full debate in the player below:
More information about the candidates
Charles Booker is a former Kentucky state representative and founder of the grassroots movement "Hood to the Holler." Growing up in Louisville’s West End, one of the poorest ZIP codes in the state, he experienced poverty firsthand and has centered his campaign on uplifting working families. His platform includes plans to raise wages, paired with a wealth tax to address economic inequality, as well as policies for racial justice, voting rights, stronger labor unions, and common-sense reforms. Booker’s campaign is people-powered and aimed at bridging divides across Kentucky.
Logan Forsythe, a former Secret Service agent, is running for U.S. Senate with a focus on giving Kentucky families a fighting chance. Coming from a background where his family relied on food stamps and Medicaid, Forsythe emphasizes policies that help hardworking families get ahead. His campaign highlights protecting access to health care, supporting economic opportunity, and bringing security and discipline from his law enforcement career into public service.
Amy McGrath is a decorated Marine Corps veteran, former F/A-18 pilot, and advocate for rural Kentucky families. Known for becoming the first woman in the Marine Corps to fly a combat mission in an F/A-18, McGrath is running on a platform to end chaos in Washington, boost economic stability, improve access to rural healthcare, and invest in education. Her campaign is rooted in listening tours, connecting directly with farmers, small-business owners, educators, and working families across the Commonwealth.
Dale Romans, a lifelong Kentuckian and renowned Thoroughbred horse trainer, brings a vision for Kentucky grounded in common-sense values. His priorities include expanding economic opportunity, investing in public education and job training, protecting Kentucky industries from harmful overregulation and trade policies, and defending personal rights and freedoms. With deep roots in the horse racing industry and a determination shaped by overcoming dyslexia, Romans aims to apply his experience and resilience to public service.
Pamela Stevenson is a 27-year U.S. Air Force veteran, pastor, state representative and current House Minority Floor Leader in Kentucky. As a JAG attorney, she served around the world handling complex cases, from prosecuting violent crimes to negotiating hostage situations. Stevenson’s campaign champions veterans, families, children, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights and legislative accountability. Known for breaking through partisan divides to improve legislation, she is running to replace Senator Mitch McConnell and deliver principled leadership for Kentucky.
Important dates to keep in mind
Voters in Kentucky have until April 20 to register for their state's primary. Early voting will begin in Kentucky on May 6, ahead of the May 19 primary election.
The primary elections in Ohio and Indiana, meanwhile, take place on May 5, and early voting is already underway.
If you're registered to vote in Ohio, you can cast your ballot between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. through May 3, the Sunday before the primary election on May 5.
Early in-person voting is set to take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through April 24, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 27 through May 1, and from 8 a.m. to noon on May 4. Polls will also be open for early in-person voting from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend days of April 25, April 26, May 2 and May 3.
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