Kentucky's primary is eight days away- here's what's on the ballot

May 19 is coming up fast. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., and there's a lot to pay attention to this cycle.

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The biggest race on the ballot statewide is the open U.S. Senate seat. After more than 40 years in office, Mitch McConnell is not running again, and that alone makes this one of the most significant elections Kentucky has seen in a long time. There's no shortage of options - 12 Republicans, 7 Democrats, and a write-in candidate have all thrown their hats in the ring.

On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Andy Barr- who now has former President Trump's endorsement- and former Attorney General Daniel Cameron are considered the frontrunners. Kentucky businessman Nate Morris dropped out of the race in early May after Trump asked him to step aside and join the administration as an ambassador. Democrats are choosing between Charles Booker, Amy McGrath, Louisville horse trainer Dale Romans, and state Rep. Pamela Stevenson, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, among others.

You've already heard about the frontrunners and seen them in debates- but I wanted to do something different. I reached out to every Senate candidate on the ballot and asked for an interview. Because Kentucky voters deserve to know who's asking for their vote and what they would do with it. Stay tuned for that coverage, coming this week.

There's also a closely watched congressional race in the 4th District. Trump endorsed farmer and veteran Ed Gallrein to replace Rep. Thomas Massie, who has repeatedly clashed with the Trump agenda- most notably by blocking parts of the 'Big Beautiful Bill'. Two Democrats, Jesse Brewer and Melissa Strange, are also running for the seat.

For Louisville voters- this May 19th primary will actually be a historic one. It's the city's first nonpartisan mayoral primary, following a change in state law in 2024. Incumbent Craig Greenberg is seeking a second term, joined by eleven other candidates on the ballot. The top two vote-getters advance to November.

Republican voters will see United States Representative for the 3rd Congressional District on their ballot. David Nichter, Maria Rodriguez, Daniel Cobble and Donald Pay are vying for your vote to face Democrat and incumbent Morgan McGarvey.

Also on the ballot in Louisville are the sheriff and county clerk races. Both seats were vacated when the officeholders passed away before the end of their terms.

Sheriff David James is not running for the spot. Richard Breen, Steve Healey and Stephen Yancey are looking to win the spot.

Jefferson County Clerk David Yates is hoping to hold on to his appointed position. He is being challenged by Rosalind 'Roz' Welch.

Democrats will vote on a new County Attorney after Mike O'Connell's decision to retire. Sarah Martin and Karl Price are on the ballot.

In Lexington, the mayor's race is drawing a crowded field. Seven candidates are running for mayor, including current Mayor Linda Gorton, C.E. Huffman, Darnell Tagaloa, Greg O'Neal, Ramazanie Asmani, Raquel Carter, and Skip Horine. Gorton has served as mayor since 2019 and is running for a third term. Like Louisville, it's a nonpartisan race- the top two vote-getters advance to November. Lexington voters will also see a lot of new faces this year, with seven Urban County Council incumbents not seeking re-election.

At the statehouse level, all 100 Kentucky House seats and half of the state Senate are on the ballot. More than 230 candidates filed to run for the House, with Republicans widely expected to maintain their dominant supermajority in both chambers. One race to keep an eye on: Louisville Democratic Rep. Daniel Grossberg is facing multiple primary opponents after an ethics investigation and criticism from within his own party over the past two years.

Sample ballots for Democrats and Republicans in Louisville: