A former Lexington council member and current state lawmaker, Bledsoe had been floated as a potential candidate in Kentucky's Sixth District. The U.S. House seat will open up with the departure of Congressman Andy Barr, who is making a run for U.S. Senate.
— Amanda Mays Bledsoe (@AmandaMBledsoe) July 7, 2025
Bledsoe said in a statement she's choosing not to run for higher office in this cycle as her children are finishing high school, telling the Lexington Herald-Leader she will also need further surgeries for a 2023 accident. Ultimately she said a run for office in Washington would take more of her time than she has to spare.
The senator went on to signal that she would throw her support behind a candidate who has yet to enter — a suggestion that was followed by an announcement that former state Sen. Ralph Alvarado is weighing a run.
Once considered a purple swing district, the Sixth now leans far more Republican. Still, national Democrats are eying a possible pickup as they work to retake the House in the midterm elections.