PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — Floyd County attorney and former television news anchor Tanner Hesterberg has announced he is running for state representative in Kentucky’s 95th District.

Hesterberg said Wednesday he will seek the Republican nomination for the seat, which includes Floyd County and parts of Pike County 

Hesterberg is a lifelong Kentuckian and operates a law practice based in Pikeville. According to his campaign announcement, his legal work has included representing teachers, coal miners, healthcare workers, first responders, and individuals navigating the criminal justice system. He has tried multiple jury cases and argued before the Kentucky Supreme Court and Court of Appeals 

Before entering the legal field, Hesterberg spent more than seven years in broadcast journalism, working as a reporter and anchor at WYMT-TV in Hazard and WKYT-TV in Lexington. During that time, he received several Associated Press awards for his reporting 

In his announcement, Hesterberg said his campaign priorities include economic development, housing affordability, tax policy, and issues impacting Eastern Kentucky. He also highlighted community service efforts by his law firm, including legal assistance for veterans and flood survivors.

The 95th District seat is currently held by a Democrat, Ashley Tackett Lafferty. The primary is scheduled for May 19, 2026. 

*Photo shared by the candidate