Q&A with Hannah Pinski, our new Kentucky politics reporter at the Herald-Leader
It’s an exciting time in Kentucky politics. After a brief reprieve in 2025, we’re sliding back into another round of the Bluegrass State’s three-year election cycle.
This year, there’s the race to replace Mitch McConnell in the Senate, a wide-open 6th District contest and a must-watch GOP primary in Northern Kentucky. In 2027, the governor’s race is the one to watch. And in 2028, could Gov. Andy Beshear be on the presidential ballot?
Thankfully, we have a new politics and government reporter at the Lexington Herald-Leader to help us cover all the action.
Hannah Pinski joined the Bluegrass Politics team in late December, just in time to play a key role in our 2026 General Assembly coverage. She grew up in Illinois, went to college in Iowa and has called Kentucky home since 2024. Hannah joins us from the Louisville Courier-Journal, where she also covered politics.
Here’s a few things about Hannah you should know:
This is your third legislative session in Kentucky. What keeps you coming back (besides needing a paycheck)?
The legislative session is interesting because there’s no shortage of stories to write. I’m a politics nerd, so I find it fun to comb through bills and report on how policy could potentially impact the lives of Kentuckians.
While Kentucky has a Republican supermajority in both chambers, there are various factions in the party — establishment Republicans, “Liberty” Republicans, etc. — and it’s fascinating to watch how the party and leadership interact to pass legislation not everyone may see eye-to-eye with.
What is it about political journalism that’s drawn you in?
I’ve always had an interest in politics outside of journalism, but one thing about political journalism is that it intersects with almost every other beat: education, crime and courts, environment and more. I like being able to analyze how choices made by politicians affect a plethora of topics. Plus, it’s fun to learn something new pretty much every day.
I also find it fascinating to watch and report on the dynamics between different lawmakers and how those different relationships affect what policy gets crafted and ultimately passed.
What types of stories should readers expect to see from you? Certain topics or interests?
Besides covering the legislative session, one topic I’ll be consistently covering is Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s increasingly visible national profile and potential presidential run in 2028. I also want to focus on our other statewide constitutional offices, including the secretary of state, state auditor and attorney general.
Tell us about your favorite Kentucky politics experience or story so far.
One of my favorite experiences as a Kentucky political reporter is Fancy Farm. Besides getting to eat some delicious barbecue, I think the political aspect of the picnic is unique to the state and not something every political reporter can say they’ve gotten to cover.
That weekend is also a great opportunity to talk to voters in the Western Kentucky area, especially since we’ve got the open U.S. Senate seat this year and what will be an interesting gubernatorial race in 2027.
It’s also always fun to see what jokes politicians come up with during the political speeches.
When you’re not keeping the folks in Frankfort honest, what do you do with your time?
I’ve been a musician for around 15 years, so outside of work I like to practice the violin for fun. While I started off as a pianist, I picked up the violin when I was 10 years old and ended up pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music during my time at the University of Iowa.
Besides playing and frequently listening to music, I am an avid runner and reader.
Oh, and I have a cat named Auggie, who loves to be a helping hand when I work from home.
How can readers reach you with tips, story ideas or questions?
My email address is hannah.pinski@herald-leader.com. If you see me around the halls of the Capitol Annex or downtown Frankfort, feel free to say hi!
