Louisville representative files paperwork to raise campaign funds for potential 2026 Senate run

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Democratic Louisville state representative might be looking to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell in the U.S. Senate.

Rep. Pamela Stevenson filed paperwork last Friday, Jan. 31, to be able to raise campaign funds, according to Federal Election Commission documents.

To run for the Senate seat, Stevenson has to file official paperwork with the Kentucky Secretary of State's Office.

Stevenson, who is also the Minority Floor Leader in the Kentucky Senate, has represented Louisville in the state's General Assembly in 2021.

Stevenson, an attorney, previously ran a campaign for state attorney general in 2023, losing to now Attorney General Russell Coleman.

She represents District 43 in the state House of Representatives, which covers a portion of Jefferson County, predominantly Louisville's west end. The seat was formerly held by Charles Booker, who ran an unsuccessful Democratic bid for Sen. Rand Paul's seat in the U.S. Senate.

Stevenson is also a U.S. Air Force veteran. She served for 27 years, earning the rank of colonel.

McConnell has stepped down from his Senate leadership position, but has not yet committed to running for another term in 2026.

The now 82-year-old is the longest-serving senator from Kentucky, and was the longest-serving Senate leader in history, having won his first election to the Senate in 1984. He served as Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference from 2007 until 2024.

McConnell’s health and age has been a topic of public concern in recent years. He experienced two highly publicized health incidents in 2023, freezing mid-sentence during press appearances in July and September.

In March 2023, he was hospitalized with a concussion and missed several weeks of work after falling in a hotel. In December last year, he fell and sprained his wrist while walking out of a GOP luncheon.

McConnell had polio in his early childhood and he has long acknowledged some difficulty as an adult in walking and climbing stairs.

While he won't be at the helm of the Senate as he finishes his term, which ends in 2027, political analysts say his influence is far from diminished. He's now serving as the Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, a position analysts said retains significant clout.

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