Politics & Government

KY-06 Dem candidates on the issues: economy, healthcare, immigration & more

Downtown Lexington, Ky., is photographed on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023.
Downtown Lexington, Ky., is photographed on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com

For the first time in a while Kentucky Democrats are excited to try and flip the 6th Congressional District.

With Republican Rep. Andy Barr leaving the post to run for U.S. Senate, Democrats feel they have a chance to flip the Central Kentucky-based district.

You can tell they’re excited based on how many candidates are running. Seven people are vying for the nomination; four of them have either held elected office before or raised significant cash in their efforts.

All seven of those candidates sound off below on issues like foreign policy, healthcare and more.

Candidates were limited to 150 words in their responses and agreed not to use Artificial Intelligence in generating their answers.

Democrat Jimmy Ausbrooks

U.S. Congressional candidate Jimmy Ausbrooks speaks during the 142nd annual St. Jeromes Fancy Farm Picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky., Saturday, August 6, 2022.
U.S. Congressional candidate Jimmy Ausbrooks speaks during the 142nd annual St. Jeromes Fancy Farm Picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky., Saturday, August 6, 2022. Silas Walker swalker@herald-leader.com

MORE: Read Jimmy Ausbrooks’ answers to the Herald-Leader candidate questionnaire here.

Harvey Carroll Jr.

Harvey Carroll Jr. is one of several Democrats running for Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District.
Harvey Carroll Jr. is one of several Democrats running for Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District. Provided by Harvey Carroll Jr.

MORE: Read Harvey Carroll Jr.’s answers to the Herald-Leader candidate questionnaire here.

Zach Dembo

Zach Dembo, a candidate for the 6th district, speaks during the annual Wendell H. Ford Dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Clay Community Center in Mt. Sterling, Ky.
Zach Dembo, a candidate for the 6th district, speaks during the annual Wendell H. Ford Dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Clay Community Center in Mt. Sterling, Ky. Christian Kantosky

MORE: Read Zach Dembo’s answers to the Herald-Leader candidate questionnaire here.

Corey Edwards

Corey Edwards is a Democratic candidate running for the Central Kentucky-based 6th Congressional District.
Corey Edwards is a Democratic candidate running for the Central Kentucky-based 6th Congressional District. Corey Edwards for Congress

MORE: Read Corey Edwards’ answers to the Herald-Leader candidate questionnaire here.

David Kloiber

Mayoral candidate David Kloiber speaks at a public forum hosted by the Eastland Parkway Neighborhood Association and Fayette County Neighborhood Council, Oct. 19, 2022. David faces incumbent Linda Gorton in the Nov. 8 general election.
Mayoral candidate David Kloiber speaks at a public forum hosted by the Eastland Parkway Neighborhood Association and Fayette County Neighborhood Council, Oct. 19, 2022. David faces incumbent Linda Gorton in the Nov. 8 general election. Marcus Dorsey mdorsey@herald-leader.com

MORE: Read David Kloiber’s answers to the Herald-Leader candidate questionnaire here.

Erin Petrey

Erin Petrey, a candidate for the 6th district, speaks with attendees during the annual Wendell H. Ford Dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Clay Community Center in Mt. Sterling, Ky.
Erin Petrey, a candidate for the 6th district, speaks with attendees during the annual Wendell H. Ford Dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Clay Community Center in Mt. Sterling, Ky. Christian Kantosky

MORE: Read Erin Petrey’s answers to the Herald-Leader candidate questionnaire here.

Cherlynn Stevenson

Cherlynn Stevenson, a candidate for the 6th district, speaks during the annual Wendell H. Ford Dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Clay Community Center in Mt. Sterling, Ky.
Cherlynn Stevenson, a candidate for the 6th district, speaks during the annual Wendell H. Ford Dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Clay Community Center in Mt. Sterling, Ky. Christian Kantosky

MORE: Read Cherlynn Stevenson’s answers to the Herald-Leader candidate questionnaire here.

This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 7:55 AM.

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Profile Image of Austin Horn
Austin Horn
Lexington Herald-Leader
706-571-8597
Austin Horn is a politics reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader. He previously worked for the Frankfort State Journal and National Public Radio. Horn has roots in both Woodford and Martin Counties.
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