Who's running in Kentucky's 2nd congressional district
3 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
3 candidates · ballot order · Brett Guthrie currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Health care for all.
Economic fairness and an economy that lifts up workers instead of corporations.
Protecting reproductive freedom.
Accountability in government.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Mechanic; SKYCTC graduate in automotive technology.
Won the May 19, 2026 Democratic primary against three candidates, including 2018–2024 nominee Hank Linderman.
Has not held elected office.
Reported about $7,500 in contributions, per Ballotpedia's summary of FEC data.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Wingfield could be found, so no arguments are listed for her (her campaign's case is in her positions). Searched: 'Hank Linderman Megan Wingfield primary criticism', 'Republican Party of Kentucky Wingfield', Guthrie campaign statements, Ballotpedia, and Bowling Green Daily News and Courier Journal coverage.
Her detailed policy positions beyond her campaign's broad values were not found.
Medicaid work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks for the expansion population, to focus the programme on 'expectant mothers, children, low-income seniors, and people with disabilities'.
The 2025 tax law's deductions for tips, overtime and Social Security.
The $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, with about $213 million for Kentucky in its first year.
Cutting waste, fraud and abuse in government health programmes.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Kentucky's 2nd District since 2009; chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the 119th Congress.
Kentucky state senator, 32nd District, 1999–2009.
West Point graduate and former Army field artillery officer in the 101st Airborne; later worked at his family's Bowling Green manufacturing business, Trace Die Cast.
As committee chairman, led the drafting of Medicaid changes in the 2025 reconciliation law, which the Congressional Budget Office estimated would reduce Medicaid spending by about $911 billion over a decade.
Reelected in 2024 with 73.1%; won the May 19, 2026 Republican primary.
Arguments in favor
'Chairman Guthrie has and will continue to be a staunch supporter of protecting the Medicaid program for generations to come,' crafting legislation 'that strengthens the program for those it is intended to serve' while delivering 'the largest tax cut for working families in history.'
— Guthrie spokesperson, to the Bowling Green Daily News
The Rural Health Transformation Program he helped create will help sustain rural health care providers for years to come.
— Brett Guthrie and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, reported by the Bowling Green Daily News
Arguments against
Guthrie's committee drafted Medicaid cuts expected to cost about 200,000 Kentuckians their insurance, put up to 20,000 health care jobs and 35 rural hospitals at risk, with much of the impact timed to take effect after the midterm elections.
— Kentucky Democratic Party (Executive Director Morgan Eaves), reported by the Bowling Green Daily News
What we couldn’t verify
No 2026 statement from Wingfield or Loecken specifically criticising Guthrie could be found; the criticism above comes from the Kentucky Democratic Party in 2025.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Kentucky's general election is November 3, 2026, and the candidate with the most votes wins; there is no runoff. Party primaries were held May 19, 2026. The congressional map did not change for 2026: the current districts were adopted in January 2022, when the General Assembly overrode Gov. Andy Beshear's veto, and Section 33 of the Kentucky Constitution bars mid-decade redistricting. No 2026 redraw or pending map litigation was found. Three candidates are on the ballot, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate filings: Democrat Megan Wingfield, Republican incumbent Brett Guthrie and independent Thomas A. Loecken, listed here in the Secretary of State's order. Guthrie beat Joshua Ferguson and G. Perry Adelmann in the May Republican primary; Wingfield beat Hank Linderman, David Hatfield and William Compton for the Democratic nomination. No write-in candidates had filed for this district. The district covers west central Kentucky, including Bowling Green, Owensboro, Elizabethtown and part of eastern Louisville (Jefferson County). Guthrie won with 73.1% in 2024.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Kentucky ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.
Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at Kentucky State Board of Elections.