Kentucky Democratic US Senate candidate Pamela Stevenson on healthcare, immigration
The Herald-Leader posited six written questions to the candidates, both Democrat and Republican, seeking to be Kentucky’s next U.S. senator.
For Democrats, those questions addressed issues like Sen. Mitch McConnell’s legacy, their electability in Kentucky, healthcare policy and more.
Candidates were limited to 150 words in their responses and agreed not to use artificial intelligence in generating their answers.
Below are Democratic contender Pamela Stevenson’s answers. Other candidate questionnaires can be viewed here.
How would you describe Mitch McConnell’s impact on Kentucky?
For decades, Kentucky families have faced rising costs of living, declining affordability in healthcare, and weakening profitability in our core industries. These challenges have grown while Sen. McConnell has held the most powerful positions in Washington. Kentuckians are working harder for less stability, and the policies shaping their daily lives have not kept pace with what our communities need to thrive.
If you had your way, what health care policy would the U.S. pursue and ultimately enact?
I support universal healthcare. We need a strong public option alongside private plans as we build a system that ensures no family loses everything because someone gets sick. Hard‑working people should be able to care for their health at all times — not only when it becomes profitable for an insurance company. Healthcare should protect the American Dream, not threaten it.
Should the U.S. Senate keep the filibuster? Why or why not?
The filibuster was designed to ensure minority voices are heard, but its modern use has drifted far from that purpose. It has become a tool to block action entirely. At minimum, we should return to a talking filibuster so senators must physically hold the floor. We need reforms that preserve debate without allowing procedural gridlock to paralyze the country. Kentuckians deserve a Senate that can debate, deliberate, and act.
Democrats haven’t won a U.S. Senate seat in Kentucky since 1992. Why is this year different, and why are you the one to make it happen?
I am the only candidate in this race — on either side — who has served in all of these roles:
- Legislator: I have passed legislation that supports Kentucky families, and I serve all Kentuckians, not just the people I agree with.
- National Defense Advisor: As a 27‑year veteran, I have worked internationally with foreign governments to secure agreements that protect American interests.
- House Minority Floor Leader: I have built coalitions and passed legislation in a supermajority environment.
- Prosecutor and Law Professor: I understand how laws are written, interpreted, and applied in real life.
These experiences give me the ability to build consensus, solve problems, and deliver results for Kentucky families.
Can you describe your ideal U.S. immigration policy?
Our immigration system is broken, and we can fix it by enforcing the laws we already have and properly funding the agencies responsible for processing cases. We need clear, efficient procedures that reduce backlogs and restore staffing levels that were cut in recent years. Enforcement should be smart, humane, and consistent with American values. ICE alone is not the answer; we need a functioning system that reflects both security and dignity.
What committees would you like to join and why?
I would seek assignments on:
- Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: to protect Kentucky’s farms, natural resources, and rural communities.
- Veterans’ Affairs: because I will never stop fighting for those who took the oath.
- The Select Committee on Ethics: to help restore integrity in government and end profiteering from public office.
Pamela Stevenson’s website can be found here.
