Kentucky’s top House Democrat poised to run for Senate

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kentucky’s top House Democrat is expected to officially announce her run for the U.S. Senate soon.

In early February, it was revealed the Louisville representative, Kentucky House Minority Leader Pamela Stevenson, had filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission

to begin collecting money to join the 2026 Senate race.

At the time, it was unclear if she would face off against Kentucky political giant Sen. Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, but Thursday he announced he would not seek reelection.

Stevenson said Kentucky needs new leadership dedicated to serving them.

Stevenson is expected to make a formal announcement in the next few weeks.

Who is Rep. Pamela Stevenson?

Stevenson is a Louisville-born retired Air Force colonel, attorney, and minister who has served in Kentucky’s House since 2021 with a bachelor’s in finance and a juris doctor, both from Indiana University.

The avid quilter campaigned in 2023 for attorney general but lost to Republican opponent Russell Coleman.

Stevenson was inducted into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame in 2018 for her participation in the War on Terror.

In 2015, Stevenson founded the Stevenson Law Center, which offers legal representation pro bono to veterans and seniors

She has served on multiple committees such as the Artificial Intelligence Task Force, the Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (H), and the Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee and is a member of several caucuses such as the Mountain Caucus, Kentucky Nonprofit Caucus, and Engage and Empower Caucus.

The 2026 United States Senate elections are scheduled to be held on Nov. 3, 2026.