24-06-2025
Eastern Kentucky attorney announces campaign for Hal Rogers' seat in Congress
An Eastern Kentucky attorney has launched a bid to run in the Democratic primary election for Kentucky's 5th Congressional District.
Ned Pillersdorf, a managing partner at Pillersdorf Law Office and husband of former Supreme Court Justice Janet Stumbo, said he plans to soon formally announce his campaign to try and unseat current Republican U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, who has been in office since 1981.
According to a Facebook post, his campaign will kickoff July 4 at Rosenberg Square in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.
"For the past 44 years, I have had an underdog/poverty volume law practice and been involved with several nonprofits," Pillersdorf said in the post. "I think I understand the district and needs of our neighbors."
Pillersdorf was critical of Rogers in his post, saying while the congressman has supported some "worthy programs," such as Medicaid, Medicare and food stamps, the "one or two steps he took forward is in full reverse."
"Rogers is enthusiastically supporting the unprecedented assault on our safety net, taking 10 steps back, over the cliff," Pillersdorf said. "His deciding vote for the Big Beautiful Bill is a shameful betrayal of the needs of our district."
The "big beautiful bill" is a sweeping piece of legislation backed by President Donald Trump that touches on Medicaid, deportation and more.
Pillersdorf is known for leading the effort to find lawyers to help represent people who lost their disability benefits under fraud perpetrated by former Kentucky attorney Eric Conn, who is now in prison. He was later given the American Bar Association's Pro Bono Award for that work.
Rogers, who is the dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, is 87 years old and would be 89 if he wins reelection to serve his 24th term.
The primary for his seat will take place in 2026.
Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at hpinski@ or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Eastern Kentucky attorney Ned Pillersdorf to run for Hal Rogers' seat
