Lexington state senator ends speculation, says she won't run for Congress
After months of speculation about the Lexington Republican's potential candidacy for the 6th Congressional District — which is set to become vacant with Rep. Andy Barr running for U.S. Senate — Bledsoe closed the door on a run for the district in a Monday interview with the Herald-Leader.
The former member of Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council told the Herald-Leader that her decision was informed by a desire to be present for her kids finishing high school and a need for further surgeries to recover from a 2023 accident where a horse kicked her in the face.
'This was not an easy decision, but I know it's the right one. I had every confidence in my ability to win and to serve, but ultimately the timing is just not right for me and my family,' Bledsoe wrote in a statement. 'As I imagined what it would take to fully commit to a campaign and to service in Washington, I kept coming back to Friday night games, school events, and everyday moments I don't want to miss.'
On the Republican side, only state Rep. Ryan Dotson, R-Winchester, has declared for the office.
However, Bledsoe hinted in her statement that she would support someone who has yet to enter the race.
'A great candidate for this seat will be announcing in the coming days, and I'm going to be all-in with him,' Bledsoe wrote.
Moments after Bledsoe's announcement, former GOP state senator and current Tennessee health department commissioner Ralph Alvarado hinted that he'd run for the seat.
'With my dear friend Amanda Mays Bledsoe announcing she's not running for Congress in KY-6, I wanted to let everyone know that my wife, Dawn, and I are strongly considering this race,' Alvarado wrote. 'Both as a doctor and in public service, my passion has always been in helping as many people as possible.'
Two prominent Democrats have declared for the 6th Congressional District. Cherlynn Stevenson, a former member of Democratic House leadership, and David Kloiber, a former Lexington city councilman and mayoral candidate, are both vying for the nomination.
Since her election to the state Senate in 2022, Bledsoe has risen the ranks to become vice chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations & Revenue Committee and has been assigned roles covering weighty issues like artificial intelligence.
Bledsoe's state Senate district covers a swath of South Lexington as well as Woodford, Mercer and Boyle counties.
Some Republicans saw her as the prohibitive favorite in the race for the 6th Congressional District nomination.
Former state representative Killian Timoney called her the 'class entry' that would scare Democrats because of her bipartisan and policy bona fides.
'There are a lot of really good potential candidates, but if you're asking my opinion of who the class entry is on that one, it's definitely Amanda. I don't think there's a Democrat out there that could beat her,' Timoney said in April.
Now, some politicos believe Bledsoe's deferral changes the calculus.
'Sen. Bledsoe was the clear frontrunner in the field with her high name ID in Fayette County combined with strong fundraising ability, support from a wide cross-section of the party, and vast policy skills,' T.J. Litafik, a Lexington-based GOP consultant, said. 'Her decision not to run throws the nomination wide open and could very well make for an especially competitive and interesting primary next May.'
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