SOMERSET, KY (WMDJ) — Congressman Hal Rogers, the longest-serving current member of the U.S. House of Representatives, has officially filed for re-election to represent Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District in 2026.
Rogers, who first took office in 1981, filed his paperwork Thursday in Somerset. His announcement comes just days after receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who called Rogers a strong advocate for Eastern Kentucky.
In his re-election statement, Rogers said he plans to continue focusing on economic development, infrastructure improvements, and disaster recovery across southern and eastern Kentucky. He emphasized the region’s resilience through challenges like flooding and the decline of the coal industry.
Rogers, 87, currently represents 33 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky. As of this writing, he is the only candidate to file in the race. Prestonsburg attorney and Democrat, Ned Pillersdorf, has previously announced plans to run.
UPDATE: Two other Republicans have filed to run. Jacob Trimble and Benjamin Hurley.
Source: https://www.fec.gov/data/elections/house/KY/05/2026/
