By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/democrat-zach-dembo-wins-election-to-u-s-house-in-kentuckys-6th-congressional-district Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Democrat Zach Dembo wins election to U.S. House in Kentucky's 6th Congressional District Politics Nov 3, 2026 10:37 PM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check Democrat Zach Dembo won election Tuesday to the U.S. House of Representatives representing Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, defeating Republican Ralph Alvarado. Dembo won in a strongly Republican district to replace Republican Rep. Andy Barr, who vacated the seat to run for the U.S. Senate. Dembo is a former federal prosecutor and U.S. Navy lawyer. He was backed by the Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. Alvarado is a physician who was the first Hispanic person to serve in the state legislature. The Associated Press declared Dembo the winner at 10:16 p.m. EST. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
Democrat Zach Dembo wins election to U.S. House in Kentucky's 6th Congressional District
In short
The Associated Press declared the race at 10:16 p.m. EST after voters chose the Democratic contender over Republican Ralph Alvarado. The congressional seat opened when former Representative Andy Barr chose to mount a bid for the U.S. Senate. Incoming lawmaker Zach Dembo campaigned with the formal endorsement of Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. Defeated opponent Alvarado, a physician, previously made state history as the first Hispanic individual elected to the Kentucky legislature.
Key points
- The victory flips a previously Republican congressional seat following Andy Barr's depart…: The victory flips a previously Republican congressional seat following Andy Barr's departure for a Senate bid.
- Zach Dembo relied on a high-profile endorsement from Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Be…: Zach Dembo relied on a high-profile endorsement from Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear during the campaign.
- Ralph Alvarado was defeated despite his background as a physician and the state legislatu…: Ralph Alvarado was defeated despite his background as a physician and the state legislature's first Hispanic member.