Kentucky House Rep. Ryan Dotson, a Republican representing Clark County and a portion of Fayette County, is making a run for the congressional seat. He took to social media to launch his campaign.
"We have a strong path to victory, but we're gonna have to work very hard to get there. I'm sure it will be a crowded race, but I know that we can win this with the help of God," he said.
While once characterized as a purple or swing district, the Sixth — which includes Lexington — has become more and more red over the years.
"Before the redistricting, it was already a very Republican district. On average, you'd expect a Republican to win it by 11 points. Now after the redistricting, it became slightly more Republican. Now it's Republican plus 13, as we call it," UK political scientist Stephen Voss says.
Although Republicans have that built-in advantage in the race, Voss notes that other headwinds favor Democrats — from the lack of an incumbent to the traditional pushback on any party that's had full control of government for two years.
Democrats are targeting the district as a potential pickup in their bid to flip the House in the midterms, but Republicans have said their opponents are wasting money trying to win back the district.
In addition to Dotson, other Republican names floated as possible candidates include Sen. Amanda Mays-Bledsoe, a former Lexington council member, and former state Sen. Damon Thayer. Democratic potentials include Beshear adviser Rocky Adkins and former state House Democratic Caucus Chair Cherilyn Stevenson.