November 1, 2026 – With the US midterm elections just two days away, Democrats and Republicans are intensifying their campaigns in several closely contested congressional districts, including parts of the country that strongly supported President Donald Trump in 2024.
One of the most closely watched contests is Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District, where a Republican-held seat that has not been seriously competitive in years is now rated a toss-up by major election forecasters.
The district, located in central Kentucky, includes Lexington and surrounding suburban and rural communities. While Lexington generally supports Democrats, many neighbouring areas have traditionally favoured Republicans.
Trump won the district by approximately 15 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election. However, Democratic Governor Andy Beshear carried the same district by about 20 points in 2023, highlighting its potential to support candidates from either party.
The congressional seat is open because Republican Representative Andy Barr is running for the US Senate rather than seeking re-election.
Republican Ralph Alvarado, a former Kentucky state senator and Tennessee health commissioner, is competing against Democrat Zach Dembo, a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor.
Alvarado received Trump’s endorsement during the Republican primary and has campaigned on healthcare, affordability and economic issues. Dembo has focused on government accountability, the cost of living and opposition to several Trump administration policies.
According to Kentucky Public Radio reporter Sylvia Goodman, both campaigns have stepped up efforts to reach voters as election day approaches.
Political action committees associated with both Trump and Governor Beshear have also spent heavily on advertising in the district, demonstrating the importance both parties place on the contest.
The Cook Political Report and Inside Elections have moved the race into the toss-up category, reflecting growing uncertainty over which candidate will win.
Although Trump is not on the ballot, the midterm elections will determine which party controls Congress during the final two years of his presidency.
Democrats are also targeting Republican-held districts in other states, hoping that dissatisfaction with economic conditions and federal policies will help them gain seats in the House of Representatives.
Republicans, meanwhile, are working to mobilise their supporters and retain districts that delivered strong results for Trump during the previous presidential election.
Voting takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls in Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District are scheduled to close at 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
The outcome will provide an important indication of whether Democrats can make gains in traditionally Republican areas during the 2026 midterm elections.
