(WKYT) – Longtime Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers has secured re-election in Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District, extending his historic tenure in Washington.
The Associated Press called the race shortly after polls closed Tuesday night. Rogers secured victory with over 70% of the vote, defeating Democratic challenger Ned Pillersdorf and two independent candidates, Mikel Wein and Gerardo Serrano.
First elected in 1980, Rogers is the Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives and the longest-serving member of Congress in Kentucky history. The 5th Congressional District encompasses 33 counties across southern and eastern Kentucky.
“It is a tremendous honor to earn the continued confidence of the people of Southern and Eastern Kentucky. I will continue to listen to my constituents and fight for the conservative values that make this nation so great,” Rogers said in a statement. “Our work together has never slowed down. In fact, we are working hard every single day to create a brighter future in Kentucky’s Appalachian region. Southern and Eastern Kentucky is a special place to call home and I’ll continue to give my all for the people I serve whether I’m here or echoing their voice in Washington.”
Pillersdorf, a prominent eastern Kentucky attorney who campaigned for 17 months across the district, spoke with WYMT shortly after the race was called.
Pillersdorf congratulated Rogers on the victory but expressed disappointment, emphasizing that his campaign was centered on protecting rural healthcare and federal safety nets in what remains the nation’s poorest congressional district.
“And congratulations to Congressman Rogers. But that’s the reason I ran. It was the Medicaid cuts,” Pillersdorf said. “I’m deeply concerned about us losing all these hospitals next year. That’s probably all I talked about. And I’m very disappointed.”
Pillersdorf added that he plans to remain an active advocate for low-income families and healthcare access across the region.
Rogers will be sworn into his 24th consecutive term when the 120th Congress convenes in January.
