Republican physician politician says he might return to Kentucky to run for Congress
The commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health and a former Kentucky state senator is considering running for Congress in a Central Kentucky district.
Dr. Ralph Alvarado, the 2019 running mate of former Republican Gov. Matt Bevin, announced in a social media post that he is considering a run after Republican state Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, of Lexington, said she will not be seeking the seat.
Its current occupant, Republican Andy Barr, is running next year for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Mitch McConnell.
Bledsoe, long speculated to be considering a run for Congress, issued a statement about her decision on social media Monday afternoon, citing personal reasons.
Alvarado bids Kentucky Senate farewell, special election May 16 to choose his successor
Bledsoe also said she would work to hold the congressional seat for Republicans, adding that 'a great candidate for this seat will be announcing in the coming days, and I'm going to be all-in with him.'
'This was not an easy decision, but I know it's the right one,' Bledsoe said in her statement. 'I had every confidence in my ability to win and to serve, but ultimately this timing is just not right for me and my family. I am in a unique and meaningful season of life. My children are in high school, and these years you only get once. As I imagined what it would be like 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 — and that my children deserve to share with me.'
The state senator added that she remains committed to working in the legislature and vowed to be 'in the fight on the campaign trail here at home' including supporting Barr in his race for U.S. Senate. Other notable Republicans in the primary are former Attorney General Daniel Cameron and Lexington businessman Nate Morris. The current seat holder, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, will not be seeking reelection in 2026.
In a recent interview with the Lexington Herald-Leader, Bledsoe said that in addition to focusing on her children, she also will need more surgeries to recover from a 2023 accident where a horse kicked her in the face.
Another state lawmaker, Republican Rep. Ryan Dotson, of Winchester, has announced his campaign for the congressional seat.
On the Democratic side, former Kentucky House Democratic caucus chair Cherlynn Stevenson and former Lexington council member David Kloiber are running for the seat.
Kentucky's primary elections will be held in May of 2026.
Alvarado, a physician, represented a state Senate district that includes Clark and parts of Fayette and Montgomery counties from 2015 until 2023 when Republican Gov. Bill Lee tapped him to become Tennessee's health commissioner.
In a post on X, he said his goal in Congress would be to support President Donald Trump. 'Both as a Doctor and in public service, my passion has always been in helping as many people as possible. Right now, President Trump needs strong allies in Congress to continue advancing this America First, Kentucky First agenda — I'd have his back 100%. We have been overwhelmed by the encouragement we've received from our friends and neighbors throughout Central Kentucky and will have an announcement to make soon.'
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