Rogers Wins Kentucky's 5th District Congressional Seat

Republican incumbent Hal Rogers, serving since 1981, was projected winner over Democrat Ned Pillersdorf and two independents.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a Capitol dome silhouette above rolling green hills, in navy and cream with a muted red accent. — Republican Rep. Hal Rogers, in Congress since 1981, was projected to win Kentucky's 5th District seat, taking about 70% of the vote over Democrat Ned Pillersdorf. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Republican Hal Rogers won Kentucky's U.S. 5th Congressional District seat, with The Associated Press calling the race for him. Rogers received 70% of the vote, while Democrat Ned Pillersdorf received 26%.

Why it matters

Rogers' continued tenure keeps the district under long-standing leadership, and he is the longest-serving member of Congress from Kentucky. The result reflects the district's vote share across the Republican, Democratic and two independent candidates on the ballot.

Rogers captured 70% of the vote against Democrat Ned Pillersdorf's 26%, with independents Mikel Wein and Gerardo Serrano taking 2% and 1%. The extraction does not include certified totals or the total number of ballots cast.

The players

Hal Rogers

Rogers is a Republican who has represented Kentucky's 5th Congressional District since 1981 and is the longest-serving member of Congress from Kentucky.

Ned Pillersdorf

Pillersdorf is the Democratic candidate who opposed cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, public television and cancer research in the race.

The details

Pillersdorf opposed cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, public television and cancer research. Independent Mikel Wein campaigned on protecting the environment, aiding those in poverty and promoting national healthcare.

Rogers first began holding the 5th District seat in 1981.
The midterm election results were called on November 4, 2026.

Political Context

Rogers' 2026 win extends a tenure in Kentucky's 5th District that began in 1981, making him the state's longest-serving congressional member. The opposition from Pillersdorf centered on Medicaid, food stamps, public television and cancer research funding.

Kentucky voters in the 5th District have a representative who has held the seat since 1981 and will continue in office. The result affects federal policy positions on Medicaid, food stamps and healthcare for district residents.

The takeaway

Long-serving incumbents often retain office when the district's voting patterns are stable, as shown by Rogers' 70% share. Readers following Kentucky politics can track how Medicaid and food stamp funding debates continue in Congress.