Zach Dembo
KY-06
Attacked tax breaks and handouts for Big Tech and data centers
Central Kentuckians deserve a representative who will support local communities' decision whether or not they want a data center in their backyard, and they certainly shouldn't be getting tax breaks, hiking up our utility bills, or building over our fertile farmland.News story, September 18, 2026
Supported stronger oversight of data-center development
That’s why, in Congress, I’ll vote for legislation that requires thorough local input before data centers are built, holds companies accountable for their environmental impact and ensures Big Tech can’t pass their energy bills onto Kentucky families.News story, October 2, 2026
The federal government needs to stand up for these communities and make sure AI data centers are not only respecting community input, but that if they do come in, rate payers don’t pay an extra cent and that water and fertile farmland is protectedNews story, October 30, 2026
As Big Tech rakes in record profits, it is unacceptable for any data center developer to pass added costs onto Kentucky consumers,” said Dembo. “In Congress, I’ll push for legislation that requires transparency and local input, holds companies accountable for their environmental impact, and makes sure Big Tech can’t offload rising energy costs onto Kentucky families.Campaign press release, September 21, 2026
Developers, big tech, and pharmaceutical companies are cutting backroom deals with our politicians, and we’re all paying the price with ballooning housing prices, sky-high healthcare costs for ordinary folks, and increased strain on our power grid.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
AI should work for all of us, not just for the companies building it. And as AI companies make billions, that prosperity has to be shared with the local communities without harming the community’s health or environment, or they should not be allowed in.Campaign website (undated)
In Congress, I’ll push for legislation that requires transparency and local input in data center siting decisions, holds companies accountable for their environmental impact, and makes sure Big Tech can’t offload rising energy costs onto Kentucky families.Campaign website (undated)
Woodford County, for example, passed a total ban on data centers. And if that's what's appropriate for them, we need the federal government to stand up to these multi-billion or sometimes trillion dollar companies to make sure that local municipalities can have an input and have the transparency instead of being overpowered by these massive corporations.Debate, October 29, 2026
As a starting point, we have to make sure no ratepayer pays a cent more when the data center gets put inNews story, October 22, 2026
in Congress, I’ll vote for legislation that requires thorough local input before data centers are built, holds companies accountable for their environmental impact and ensures Big Tech can’t pass their energy bills onto Kentucky families.News story, October 2, 2026
Congress needs to make sure data centers aren’t raising our bills or ruining our farmland.Post on X, October 3, 2026
All across Kentucky, we’re seeing backlash against data centers and localities like Lexington are passing data center moratoriums; meanwhile big tech is bribing the federal government to pass laws banning states from regulating data centers altogether while they contribute millions to fund Trump’s inauguration – we need local control.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
If a community doesn’t want a data center in their backyard, they should not be forced to have one, and state, local, and county leaders should be responsive to their community’s desires.Campaign website (undated)
Binding conditions on development
That’s why, in Congress, I’ll vote for legislation that requires thorough local input before data centers are built, holds companies accountable for their environmental impact and ensures Big Tech can’t pass their energy bills onto Kentucky families.News story, October 2, 2026
AI should work for all of us, not just for the companies building it. And as AI companies make billions, that prosperity has to be shared with the local communities without harming the community’s health or environment, or they should not be allowed in.Campaign website (undated)
in Congress, I’ll vote for legislation that requires thorough local input before data centers are built, holds companies accountable for their environmental impact and ensures Big Tech can’t pass their energy bills onto Kentucky families.News story, October 2, 2026
Developer responsibility for infrastructure and utility costs
That’s why, in Congress, I’ll vote for legislation that requires thorough local input before data centers are built, holds companies accountable for their environmental impact and ensures Big Tech can’t pass their energy bills onto Kentucky families.News story, October 2, 2026
As Big Tech rakes in record profits, it is unacceptable for any data center developer to pass added costs onto Kentucky consumers,” said Dembo. “In Congress, I’ll push for legislation that requires transparency and local input, holds companies accountable for their environmental impact, and makes sure Big Tech can’t offload rising energy costs onto Kentucky families.Campaign press release, September 21, 2026
In Congress, I’ll push for legislation that requires transparency and local input in data center siting decisions, holds companies accountable for their environmental impact, and makes sure Big Tech can’t offload rising energy costs onto Kentucky families.Campaign website (undated)
As a starting point, we have to make sure no ratepayer pays a cent more when the data center gets put inNews story, October 22, 2026
in Congress, I’ll vote for legislation that requires thorough local input before data centers are built, holds companies accountable for their environmental impact and ensures Big Tech can’t pass their energy bills onto Kentucky families.News story, October 2, 2026
Enforceable water, energy, and community protections
The federal government needs to stand up for these communities and make sure AI data centers are not only respecting community input, but that if they do come in, rate payers don’t pay an extra cent and that water and fertile farmland is protectedNews story, October 30, 2026
In Congress, I’ll push for legislation that requires transparency and local input in data center siting decisions, holds companies accountable for their environmental impact, and makes sure Big Tech can’t offload rising energy costs onto Kentucky families.Campaign website (undated)
Congress needs to make sure data centers aren’t raising our bills or ruining our farmland.Post on X, October 3, 2026
Supported reining in or regulating Big Tech and AI companies
As Big Tech rakes in record profits, it is unacceptable for any data center developer to pass added costs onto Kentucky consumers,” said Dembo. “In Congress, I’ll push for legislation that requires transparency and local input, holds companies accountable for their environmental impact, and makes sure Big Tech can’t offload rising energy costs onto Kentucky families.Campaign press release, September 21, 2026
Developers, big tech, and pharmaceutical companies are cutting backroom deals with our politicians, and we’re all paying the price with ballooning housing prices, sky-high healthcare costs for ordinary folks, and increased strain on our power grid.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
AI should work for all of us, not just for the companies building it. And as AI companies make billions, that prosperity has to be shared with the local communities without harming the community’s health or environment, or they should not be allowed in.Campaign website (undated)
In Congress, I’ll push for legislation that requires transparency and local input in data center siting decisions, holds companies accountable for their environmental impact, and makes sure Big Tech can’t offload rising energy costs onto Kentucky families.Campaign website (undated)
It’s crucial we have full transparency from AI developers when their AI bots hack another company or private database. We also need hardware measures so that AI research can continue without the risk that advanced AI bots can escape containment.News story, October 2, 2026
Congress needs to have aggressive regulation on AI development while keeping the U.S. globally competitive.News story, October 2, 2026
All across Kentucky, we’re seeing backlash against data centers and localities like Lexington are passing data center moratoriums; meanwhile big tech is bribing the federal government to pass laws banning states from regulating data centers altogether while they contribute millions to fund Trump’s inauguration – we need local control.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
Called for big structural changes that expand public coverage or Medicare benefits: Medicare for All, a public option, a Medicare buy-in, lowering the Medicare age such as Medicare at 55, or dental, vision, and/or hearing in Medicare
In Congress, I’ll push to require drug companies to charge Americans the same prices they charge overseas. We also need price transparency so people know what a procedure costs before they’re billed for it, caps on out-of-pocket expenses, and reforms to cut the administrative waste bleeding our insurance system dry. Moves from this administration to gut Medicaid threaten Kentuckians directly and could close hospitals and kill jobs. I’ll fight to restore Medicaid from these cuts, expand ACA tax credits, and push hard for a public option to give every American access to affordable coverage if they want it.News story, May 13, 2026
In Congress, I’ll push for a law to make drug companies charge the same here as they do overseas so Kentuckians can afford the medications they need. We also need price transparency requirements for medical procedures so people know exactly what they’re paying, caps on out-of-pocket expenses, reforms to reduce administrative overhead and waste in the insurance system, and fight for a public option in healthcare so everyone can afford care.Campaign website (undated)
“In Congress, I’ll work to make healthcare affordable for everyone by extending health care tax credits that lower costs, protecting Medicaid funding, capping out-of-pocket expenses, getting the government to negotiate fair drug prices, and fighting for a public option to expand health care access.”Campaign website, September 17, 2026
Called to reverse the cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, or ACA coverage
In Congress, I’ll push to require drug companies to charge Americans the same prices they charge overseas. We also need price transparency so people know what a procedure costs before they’re billed for it, caps on out-of-pocket expenses, and reforms to cut the administrative waste bleeding our insurance system dry. Moves from this administration to gut Medicaid threaten Kentuckians directly and could close hospitals and kill jobs. I’ll fight to restore Medicaid from these cuts, expand ACA tax credits, and push hard for a public option to give every American access to affordable coverage if they want it.News story, May 13, 2026
And we are. Like restoring Medicaid cuts, taking on insurance companies overcharging you, and ending the tariffs that are raising our costs.Paid ad transcript, October 13, 2026
Cutting Medicaid hurts families, threatens our hospitals, and eliminates good-paying jobs. We need to reverse these cuts and fully fund Medicaid so that working families and seniors can access the care they need.Campaign website (undated)
Restore the Medicaid cuts so working families have health care and our rural hospitals stay open.Video ad, October 23, 2026
We've got to reverse these terrible Medicaid cuts.Video, October 14, 2026
Like restoring Medicaid cuts, taking on insurance companies overcharging you, and ending the tariffs that are raising our costs.Campaign website, October 13, 2026
Called for lowering prescription-drug prices
I'll fight to end this trade war, work to raise the minimum wage to $15, restore ACA tax credits, expand affordable housing, stand with labor, and lower drug costs by letting Medicare negotiate prices.News story, April 16, 2026
In Congress, I’ll push to require drug companies to charge Americans the same prices they charge overseas. We also need price transparency so people know what a procedure costs before they’re billed for it, caps on out-of-pocket expenses, and reforms to cut the administrative waste bleeding our insurance system dry. Moves from this administration to gut Medicaid threaten Kentuckians directly and could close hospitals and kill jobs. I’ll fight to restore Medicaid from these cuts, expand ACA tax credits, and push hard for a public option to give every American access to affordable coverage if they want it.News story, May 13, 2026
“Medicaid is under attack in Congress, and we’re all going to pay the price with higher healthcare costs because politicians like Ralph Alvarado got their way and slashed our benefits to fund tax cuts for their billionaire donors,” said Dembo.Campaign website, September 17, 2026
In Congress, I’ll push for a law to make drug companies charge the same here as they do overseas so Kentuckians can afford the medications they need. We also need price transparency requirements for medical procedures so people know exactly what they’re paying, caps on out-of-pocket expenses, reforms to reduce administrative overhead and waste in the insurance system, and fight for a public option in healthcare so everyone can afford care.Campaign website (undated)
“In Congress, I’ll work to make healthcare affordable for everyone by extending health care tax credits that lower costs, protecting Medicaid funding, capping out-of-pocket expenses, getting the government to negotiate fair drug prices, and fighting for a public option to expand health care access.”Campaign website, September 17, 2026
I'll also take on insurance companies overcharging you, fight for price transparency for your medication, and ensure Medicare can continue negotiating drug prices.Video, October 20, 2026
Prescription-drug price limits
In Congress, I’ll push for a law to make drug companies charge the same here as they do overseas so Kentuckians can afford the medications they need. We also need price transparency requirements for medical procedures so people know exactly what they’re paying, caps on out-of-pocket expenses, reforms to reduce administrative overhead and waste in the insurance system, and fight for a public option in healthcare so everyone can afford care.Campaign website (undated)
Called for restoring ACA subsidies
I'll fight to end this trade war, work to raise the minimum wage to $15, restore ACA tax credits, expand affordable housing, stand with labor, and lower drug costs by letting Medicare negotiate prices.News story, April 16, 2026
“Medicaid is under attack in Congress, and we’re all going to pay the price with higher healthcare costs because politicians like Ralph Alvarado got their way and slashed our benefits to fund tax cuts for their billionaire donors,” said Dembo.Campaign website, September 17, 2026
we have to have Congress act to restore these ACA subsidies and make sure we’re actually taking on the skyrocketing cost of health care for central Kentuckians and all over the nationNews story, September 17, 2026
Central Kentuckians could also see their premiums double if ACA tax credits aren’t fully funded. These subsidies are keeping healthcare affordable for tens of thousands of families across our state. In Congress, I’ll fight to restore and expand ACA tax credits so that health insurance remains within reach for working families.Campaign website (undated)
Government price negotiation
I'll fight to end this trade war, work to raise the minimum wage to $15, restore ACA tax credits, expand affordable housing, stand with labor, and lower drug costs by letting Medicare negotiate prices.News story, April 16, 2026
“Medicaid is under attack in Congress, and we’re all going to pay the price with higher healthcare costs because politicians like Ralph Alvarado got their way and slashed our benefits to fund tax cuts for their billionaire donors,” said Dembo.Campaign website, September 17, 2026
“In Congress, I’ll work to make healthcare affordable for everyone by extending health care tax credits that lower costs, protecting Medicaid funding, capping out-of-pocket expenses, getting the government to negotiate fair drug prices, and fighting for a public option to expand health care access.”Campaign website, September 17, 2026
I'll also take on insurance companies overcharging you, fight for price transparency for your medication, and ensure Medicare can continue negotiating drug prices.Video, October 20, 2026
Creating a public option
In Congress, I’ll push to require drug companies to charge Americans the same prices they charge overseas. We also need price transparency so people know what a procedure costs before they’re billed for it, caps on out-of-pocket expenses, and reforms to cut the administrative waste bleeding our insurance system dry. Moves from this administration to gut Medicaid threaten Kentuckians directly and could close hospitals and kill jobs. I’ll fight to restore Medicaid from these cuts, expand ACA tax credits, and push hard for a public option to give every American access to affordable coverage if they want it.News story, May 13, 2026
In Congress, I’ll push for a law to make drug companies charge the same here as they do overseas so Kentuckians can afford the medications they need. We also need price transparency requirements for medical procedures so people know exactly what they’re paying, caps on out-of-pocket expenses, reforms to reduce administrative overhead and waste in the insurance system, and fight for a public option in healthcare so everyone can afford care.Campaign website (undated)
“In Congress, I’ll work to make healthcare affordable for everyone by extending health care tax credits that lower costs, protecting Medicaid funding, capping out-of-pocket expenses, getting the government to negotiate fair drug prices, and fighting for a public option to expand health care access.”Campaign website, September 17, 2026
Called for higher taxes on billionaires and the wealthy
closing the carried interest tax loophole, which is something that allows rich hedge fund managers on Wall Street to get away with paying less taxes.PBS, October 12, 2026
Called for campaign-finance reform to reduce big money's influence
I was proud to unveil an anti-corruption platform down here with really common sense stuff that should have been done forever ago, like ban individual stock trading, a lifetime ban on lobbying if you want to be in Congress, and most importantly, ending Citizens United and getting dark money and corporate money out of politics. I have refused to take corporate PAC money from the very beginning.Video, October 29, 2026
When billionaires and corporations can pour unlimited money into campaigns without any transparency or accountability, ordinary voters get drowned out. And to make matters worse, the politicians who directly benefit know who they owe. As your congressman, I’ll introduce an amendment to end the Citizens United decision and get corporations out of our political fundraising system.Campaign website (undated)
Kentuckians know that corporations and special interests have too much power over Congress. Big corporations push their agenda using politicians they buy off through campaign donations, it is public corruption in plain sight. That is why I have pledged to never take a dime of corporate pac money, so there is no question that I serve my community and my community alone. In Congress, I will fight to ban donations from corporate pacs out right, so Congress starts serving us, not corporate special interests.Campaign website (undated)
that's why I was proud to unveil an anti-corruption platform down here with really common sense stuff that should have been done forever ago, like ban individual stock trading, a lifetime ban on lobbying if you want to be in Congress, and most importantly, ending Citizens United and getting dark money and corporate money out of politics.Video, October 29, 2026
The two took questions from the audience and spoke about Dembo’s plan to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks, eliminate dark money super PACs, and close the revolving door between Congress and K street.Campaign press release, October 24, 2026
Central Kentuckians are sick and tired of corrupt career politicians who are more focused on enriching themselves than fighting for the people they’re supposed to represent – and it’s costing all of us. This corrupt system is allowed to continue because politicians like my opponent take corporate PAC money and do their bidding in Congress,” said Zach Dembo, former federal prosecutor and candidate for Congress. “I’m honored to have the endorsement of End Citizens United and I look forward to working side by side with them to get money out of politics and reform this corrupt system in Congress.Campaign press release, October 24, 2026
Ban Congressional stock trading. Enact term limits. Get corporate money out of politics.Post on X, November 1, 2026
I'm the only candidate in the race who has proposed this sort of campaign finance reform, and I think I'm the only candidate in the race who wants to change having bought and sold politiciansNews story, October 27, 2026
As your congressman, I’ll introduce an amendment to end the Citizens United decision and get corporations out of our political fundraising system.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
I am running to end that corruption by banning corporate PAC money, implementing term limits and barring Members of Congress from becoming lobbyists, so Washington finally works for Kentucky, not itself.Campaign website, August 25, 2026
We are not going to be able to start to solve it if we don't get that money out of politics. That's what we've got to do first.Debate, October 29, 2026
Called to overturn Citizens United
I was proud to unveil an anti-corruption platform down here with really common sense stuff that should have been done forever ago, like ban individual stock trading, a lifetime ban on lobbying if you want to be in Congress, and most importantly, ending Citizens United and getting dark money and corporate money out of politics. I have refused to take corporate PAC money from the very beginning.Video, October 29, 2026
When billionaires and corporations can pour unlimited money into campaigns without any transparency or accountability, ordinary voters get drowned out. And to make matters worse, the politicians who directly benefit know who they owe. As your congressman, I’ll introduce an amendment to end the Citizens United decision and get corporations out of our political fundraising system.Campaign website (undated)
that's why I was proud to unveil an anti-corruption platform down here with really common sense stuff that should have been done forever ago, like ban individual stock trading, a lifetime ban on lobbying if you want to be in Congress, and most importantly, ending Citizens United and getting dark money and corporate money out of politics.Video, October 29, 2026
As your congressman, I’ll introduce an amendment to end the Citizens United decision and get corporations out of our political fundraising system.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
Refused corporate PAC money
I was proud to unveil an anti-corruption platform down here with really common sense stuff that should have been done forever ago, like ban individual stock trading, a lifetime ban on lobbying if you want to be in Congress, and most importantly, ending Citizens United and getting dark money and corporate money out of politics. I have refused to take corporate PAC money from the very beginning.Video, October 29, 2026
Kentuckians know that corporations and special interests have too much power over Congress. Big corporations push their agenda using politicians they buy off through campaign donations, it is public corruption in plain sight. That is why I have pledged to never take a dime of corporate pac money, so there is no question that I serve my community and my community alone. In Congress, I will fight to ban donations from corporate pacs out right, so Congress starts serving us, not corporate special interests.Campaign website (undated)
I can tell you I'm the only candidate on this stage who has refused corporate PAC money from the beginning.Debate, October 22, 2026
I'm not taking corporate pack money.Debate, October 29, 2026
I've already said I'm not taking corporate pack money.Debate, October 29, 2026
I have refused to take corporate PAC money from the very beginning.Video, October 29, 2026
Zach Dembo’s campaign has never solicited dark money from shady interests and he is the only candidate in this race who does not take a dime from corporate PACs.Campaign press release, October 22, 2026
That is why I have pledged to never take a dime of corporate pac money, so there is no question that I serve my community and my community alone.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
Banning super PACs
The two took questions from the audience and spoke about Dembo’s plan to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks, eliminate dark money super PACs, and close the revolving door between Congress and K street.Campaign press release, October 24, 2026
Called for banning stock trading by members of Congress
I was proud to unveil an anti-corruption platform down here with really common sense stuff that should have been done forever ago, like ban individual stock trading, a lifetime ban on lobbying if you want to be in Congress, and most importantly, ending Citizens United and getting dark money and corporate money out of politics. I have refused to take corporate PAC money from the very beginning.Video, October 29, 2026
I think it’s appropriate not just to ban individual stock trading but for folks to divestNews story, August 25, 2026
"We should not having any members of Congress trading stocks or crypto and getting rich off of information that you and I don't have,".News article, August 25, 2026
that's why I was proud to unveil an anti-corruption platform down here with really common sense stuff that should have been done forever ago, like ban individual stock trading, a lifetime ban on lobbying if you want to be in Congress, and most importantly, ending Citizens United and getting dark money and corporate money out of politics.Video, October 29, 2026
The two took questions from the audience and spoke about Dembo’s plan to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks, eliminate dark money super PACs, and close the revolving door between Congress and K street.Campaign press release, October 24, 2026
I will push for a full ban on trading individual stock or cryptocurrency for members of Congress and their immediate families, to make sure they serve us, not their pocketbooks, and ban politicians from using prediction markets while in office.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
I will push for a full ban on trading individual stock or cryptocurrency for members of Congress and their immediate families, to make sure they serve us, not their pocketbooksCampaign website (undated)
I want to take that corruption on by banning stock trading and enacting term limits.Debate, October 23, 2026
I really want to get corruption out of our politics. But unfortunately, when it comes to banning stock trading, Nancy Pelosi has been one of these staunchest fighters against that. While she still benefits from trading stocks, that should not happen, and I denounce that entirely.Debate, October 29, 2026
And that's why I have come out firmly against stock trading. No member of Congress should be allowed to trade stocks.Debate, October 29, 2026
I will be a vote to end the tariffs that don't make sense and are driving up costs. I will be a vote to stop these terrible Medicaid cuts from ripping health care away from Kentuckians and shuttering rural hospitals, and I will be a vote to end the war in Iran and have said that from the very beginning. My opponent represents the same failed, corrupt career politician that got us into this trouble in the first place. He's passed bills to benefit his own financial interests. I represent an independent voice. I want to take that corruption on by banning stock trading and enacting term limits.Debate, October 23, 2026
Ban Congressional stock trading. Enact term limits. Get corporate money out of politics.Post on X, November 1, 2026
I’ll work to lower your health care costs. Ban politicians from insider stock trading. And go after corruption – in both parties.Paid ad transcript, September 8, 2026
I'm running for Congress to Take on the insurance companies denying you care, Ban politicians from insider stock trading, And go after corruption in both parties.Paid ad transcript, September 28, 2026
Here are the anti-corruption policies I stand for, so that Washington finally starts working for you: Ban stock trading and prediction markets for members of CongressCampaign website, August 24, 2026
I'll work to lower your health care costs, ban politicians from insider stock trading, and go after corruption in both parties.Video ad, September 8, 2026
“I think it’s appropriate not just to ban individual stock trading but for folks to divest, because you don’t want there being even a hint of something where they can have anything in mind other than what’s best for their constituents,”.News article, August 25, 2026
“This race has moved in our direction because folks believe in our message: ban congressional stock trading, end the Iran war, roll back these reckless tariffs, and lower costs for working families,”.News article, September 30, 2026
“I think it’s appropriate not just to ban individual stock trading but for folks to divest, because you don’t want there being even a hint of something where they can have anything in mind other than what’s best for their constituents,”.News article, August 26, 2026
We must ban Congress from trading stocks on insider information and force them to work for us.Post on X, October 1, 2026
Supported stronger conflict-of-interest and ethics rules
I will push for a full ban on trading individual stock or cryptocurrency for members of Congress and their immediate families, to make sure they serve us, not their pocketbooks, and ban politicians from using prediction markets while in office.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
We need to make sure regulators answer to patients, not pharmaceutical executives, and increase the housing supply by cutting the red tape for developers and protect renters from the price gouging.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
I am running to end that corruption by banning corporate PAC money, implementing term limits and barring Members of Congress from becoming lobbyists, so Washington finally works for Kentucky, not itself.Campaign website, August 25, 2026
We need to close the revolving door between our elected representatives and their next lucrative job influencing our political system. In Congress, I would work across the aisle to ban lobbying by former federal officials.Campaign website (undated)
I support enhancing the US criminal code to ensure that kind of corruption is a crime with a harsh penalty and giving the SEC or DOJ the tools necessary to investigate and root out politicians pretending to serve us while lining their own pockets.Campaign website (undated)
I'll work to lower your health care costs, ban politicians from insider stock trading, and go after corruption in both parties.Video ad, September 8, 2026
“I think it’s appropriate not just to ban individual stock trading but for folks to divest, because you don’t want there being even a hint of something where they can have anything in mind other than what’s best for their constituents,”.News article, August 25, 2026
“I think it’s appropriate not just to ban individual stock trading but for folks to divest, because you don’t want there being even a hint of something where they can have anything in mind other than what’s best for their constituents,”.News article, August 26, 2026
Called out Trump's corruption, self-dealing, or profiting from office
When it became clear that the Trump administration had turned the DOJ into the president’s personal law firm, and it was using it to enable corruption instead of fight corruption, I felt I had no choice but to resignNews story, May 1, 2026
When we see an administration that has made $2.2 billion — with a B — which is unprecedented in American history, the American people deserve answers about that. And we need to shine a spotlight on that.News story, August 26, 2026
I resigned from my position as a federal prosecutor because I couldn’t in good conscience stay on as this administration turned the Department of Justice into the president’s personal law firm.Campaign website, March 16, 2026
All across Kentucky, we’re seeing backlash against data centers and localities like Lexington are passing data center moratoriums; meanwhile big tech is bribing the federal government to pass laws banning states from regulating data centers altogether while they contribute millions to fund Trump’s inauguration – we need local control.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
Reforming the Supreme Court
requiring an ethical code of conduct for the US Supreme CourtJoint candidate letter (Defend the Vote), October 26, 2026
Signed the October 26, 2026 joint letter calling for a Supreme Court ethics code.
Require an ethical code of conduct for the US Supreme Court.Joint candidate letter (Defend the Vote), October 26, 2026
Called for a Supreme Court ethics code or enforceable ethics rules
Signed the October 26, 2026 joint letter calling for a Supreme Court ethics code.
Require an ethical code of conduct for the US Supreme Court.Joint candidate letter (Defend the Vote), October 26, 2026
Called for reversing tariffs that raise household costs
Tariffs are hiking taxes on our households and hurting our industries, especially our distillers, manufacturers, and farmers. We need fighters for us and our industries in Congress, and one of the first things I would do is make sure Congress exercises its power and stops this needless trade war that’s hurting all of us.Campaign press release, April 2, 2026
And we are. Like restoring Medicaid cuts, taking on insurance companies overcharging you, and ending the tariffs that are raising our costs.Paid ad transcript, October 13, 2026
I will be a vote to end the tariffs that don't make sense and are driving up costs.Debate, October 23, 2026
I will be a vote to end the tariffs that don't make sense and are driving up costs. I will be a vote to stop these terrible Medicaid cuts from ripping health care away from Kentuckians and shuttering rural hospitals, and I will be a vote to end the war in Iran and have said that from the very beginning. My opponent represents the same failed, corrupt career politician that got us into this trouble in the first place. He's passed bills to benefit his own financial interests. I represent an independent voice. I want to take that corruption on by banning stock trading and enacting term limits.Debate, October 23, 2026
And get rid of the tariffs crushing our farmers and raising our grocery prices.Video ad, October 23, 2026
That means someone with the courage to lower prices by standing up to corporations fixing prices against us and ending this disastrous trade war, force ICE to adhere to the same standards the rest of our law enforcement is bound by, and protect the institutions that have kept American democracy so enduring to this point, like establishing an independent DOJ.News story, May 14, 2026
“This race has moved in our direction because folks believe in our message: ban congressional stock trading, end the Iran war, roll back these reckless tariffs, and lower costs for working families,”.News article, September 30, 2026
We have got to cut these tariffs that are just taxes that we're all paying and we've got to stop this Iran war.Video, October 14, 2026
When I’m in Congress, I’ll oppose the senseless tariffs and forever wars hiking up gas https://t.co/hyVO9OE1q0Post on X, September 13, 2026
Like restoring Medicaid cuts, taking on insurance companies overcharging you, and ending the tariffs that are raising our costs.Campaign website, October 13, 2026
If they just exercise that power, they can make sure the tariffs that make sense go through, and the rest of them jacking up costs on us in Central Kentucky don’t.News story, October 22, 2026
Called for stopping price gouging
Developers, big tech, and pharmaceutical companies are cutting backroom deals with our politicians, and we’re all paying the price with ballooning housing prices, sky-high healthcare costs for ordinary folks, and increased strain on our power grid.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
That means someone with the courage to lower prices by standing up to corporations fixing prices against us and ending this disastrous trade war, force ICE to adhere to the same standards the rest of our law enforcement is bound by, and protect the institutions that have kept American democracy so enduring to this point, like establishing an independent DOJ.News story, May 14, 2026
We need to make sure regulators answer to patients, not pharmaceutical executives, and increase the housing supply by cutting the red tape for developers and protect renters from the price gouging.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
Called for making child care more affordable
I’d also want to make sure we are truly a pro-family country by fighting for things like universal pre-K and affordable child care, expanding the child tax credit, and creating incentives to reward companies that offer sufficient parental leave for their workers.Campaign website (undated)
Blamed high gas and fuel prices on the Iran war, tariffs, or oil companies
This disastrous war in Iran had led gas and diesel to skyrocket, causing everyday items to get more expensive.Post on X, October 22, 2026
Challenged Schumer's or Jeffries' leadership
Chuck Schumer once famously said, "For every rural voter we lose, we'll gain two in the suburbs." And I hate that quote for so many reasons.Video, October 14, 2026
Criticized Schumer's leadership
Chuck Schumer once famously said, "For every rural voter we lose, we'll gain two in the suburbs." And I hate that quote for so many reasons.Video, October 14, 2026
Supported stronger union organizing and collective-bargaining rights
That’s why I’m unabashedly pro-organizingNews story, October 29, 2026
In Congress, I’ll fully support the PRO Act, advocate for workplace safety standards, fund apprenticeship programs, protect unemployment benefits, and defend the right to collectively bargain and unionize.Campaign website, September 30, 2026
Supported raising the minimum wage
I'll fight to end this trade war, work to raise the minimum wage to $15, restore ACA tax credits, expand affordable housing, stand with labor, and lower drug costs by letting Medicare negotiate prices.News story, April 16, 2026
Supported protecting workers from AI-related harms
We should know if massive layoffs or displacements are happening because of AI and corporations should have to give notice before replacing employees with AI. If this replacement happens, big tech and the companies that profit should be required to pay into a fund that helps retrain workers who lose their jobs to AI so workers don’t lose their livelihoods as our economy transitions into the AI age.Campaign website (undated)
Displacement protections
We should know if massive layoffs or displacements are happening because of AI and corporations should have to give notice before replacing employees with AI. If this replacement happens, big tech and the companies that profit should be required to pay into a fund that helps retrain workers who lose their jobs to AI so workers don’t lose their livelihoods as our economy transitions into the AI age.Campaign website (undated)
Called for making housing more affordable
I think the first thing we need to do, and I agree with candidate Petri, we need to make sure that big corporations and private equity is not buying up private homes and driving up prices for all of us when they don't have any stake in our communities.Debate, March 4, 2026
Developers, big tech, and pharmaceutical companies are cutting backroom deals with our politicians, and we’re all paying the price with ballooning housing prices, sky-high healthcare costs for ordinary folks, and increased strain on our power grid.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
I'm very lucky that as a Navy veteran, my wife who's here and I were able to afford a home because of a VA loan. I think that's a great program. I think we should be expanding that to other first responders, to teachers, to people who serve their communities so that they are able to enjoy home ownership.Debate, October 29, 2026
We need to make sure regulators answer to patients, not pharmaceutical executives, and increase the housing supply by cutting the red tape for developers and protect renters from the price gouging.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
Called for restricting corporate, private equity, and hedge fund purchases of homes
I think the first thing we need to do, and I agree with candidate Petri, we need to make sure that big corporations and private equity is not buying up private homes and driving up prices for all of us when they don't have any stake in our communities.Debate, March 4, 2026
Homeownership assistance
I'm very lucky that as a Navy veteran, my wife who's here and I were able to afford a home because of a VA loan. I think that's a great program. I think we should be expanding that to other first responders, to teachers, to people who serve their communities so that they are able to enjoy home ownership.Debate, October 29, 2026
Called out Wall Street, big banks, or private equity
stopping Wall Street from buying up homes from all the rest of usCampaign website, September 30, 2026
Supported protecting or expanding abortion access
I would be a vote to codify Roe v. Wade, which worked for over 50 years, and protect fertility treatments like IVF.Campaign site, April 14, 2026
In Congress. I would be a vote to codify Roe v. Wade, which worked for over 50 years, and protect fertility treatments like IVF.Campaign website (undated)
A woman who wants to have an abortion in her first trimester should have that right, and the extreme bans in place in states like Kentucky only means more health risks, expense, and unfairness for working class folks trying to make their own family planning decisions.Campaign site, April 14, 2026
A woman who wants to have an abortion in her first trimester should have that right, and the extreme bans in place in states like Kentucky only means more health risks, expense, and unfairness for working class folks trying to make their own family planning decisions.Campaign website, captured May 20, 2026
a woman who wants to have an abortion in her first trimester should have that right.News story, May 19, 2026
The government shouldn’t have a say in how and when you start a family or in what women choose to do with their own bodies.Campaign website, June 27, 2025
Protecting IVF and fertility care
I would be a vote to codify Roe v. Wade, which worked for over 50 years, and protect fertility treatments like IVF.Campaign site, April 14, 2026
In Congress. I would be a vote to codify Roe v. Wade, which worked for over 50 years, and protect fertility treatments like IVF.Campaign website (undated)
Restoring nationwide abortion rights
I would be a vote to codify Roe v. Wade, which worked for over 50 years, and protect fertility treatments like IVF.Campaign site, April 14, 2026
In Congress. I would be a vote to codify Roe v. Wade, which worked for over 50 years, and protect fertility treatments like IVF.Campaign website (undated)
Putting abortion rights into federal law
I would be a vote to codify Roe v. Wade, which worked for over 50 years, and protect fertility treatments like IVF.Campaign site, April 14, 2026
In Congress. I would be a vote to codify Roe v. Wade, which worked for over 50 years, and protect fertility treatments like IVF.Campaign website (undated)
Restoring Roe's protections
I would be a vote to codify Roe v. Wade, which worked for over 50 years, and protect fertility treatments like IVF.Campaign site, April 14, 2026
In Congress. I would be a vote to codify Roe v. Wade, which worked for over 50 years, and protect fertility treatments like IVF.Campaign website (undated)
Supported stronger rights and safeguards in immigration enforcement
We must hold ICE to the same standards as all law enforcement: comprehensive training (not just 47 days), body cameras for transparency, no hiding identities behind masks, and a focus on actual violent criminals – not law-abiding people in courthouses, schools, or churches.Campaign website (undated)
“We need a Congress that will stand up with new ideas about this, and they will stand up to this administration when they’re committing these unconstitutional searches of people’s homes without warrants and to the last administration where they were ignoring the Southern border,”.News article, July 7, 2026
That means someone with the courage to lower prices by standing up to corporations fixing prices against us and ending this disastrous trade war, force ICE to adhere to the same standards the rest of our law enforcement is bound by, and protect the institutions that have kept American democracy so enduring to this point, like establishing an independent DOJ.News story, May 14, 2026
Due-process protections
“We need a Congress that will stand up with new ideas about this, and they will stand up to this administration when they’re committing these unconstitutional searches of people’s homes without warrants and to the last administration where they were ignoring the Southern border,”.News article, July 7, 2026
Stronger enforcement accountability
We must hold ICE to the same standards as all law enforcement: comprehensive training (not just 47 days), body cameras for transparency, no hiding identities behind masks, and a focus on actual violent criminals – not law-abiding people in courthouses, schools, or churches.Campaign website (undated)
That means someone with the courage to lower prices by standing up to corporations fixing prices against us and ending this disastrous trade war, force ICE to adhere to the same standards the rest of our law enforcement is bound by, and protect the institutions that have kept American democracy so enduring to this point, like establishing an independent DOJ.News story, May 14, 2026
Supporting a path to citizenship
For folks who are law-abiding, who have been the cornerstones of the horse industry, of the bourbon industry, of the ag industry, the tobacco industry — which my family used to be a part of before the buyout — they deserve a pathway to citizenshipNews story, July 8, 2026
secure the border, focus enforcement on actual criminals and genuine public safety threats, fix the broken legal immigration system riddled with backlogs that incentivize illegal entry, and create a realistic path to citizenship for law-abiding residents who are paying taxes and raising families for decades.News story, October 5, 2026
We also need immigration reform that secures our border while treating people with dignity and creating a path to citizenship for those already here working hard and contributing to our communities.Campaign website (undated)
Supported stronger checks on executive power
“We need a Congress that will stand up with new ideas about this, and they will stand up to this administration when they’re committing these unconstitutional searches of people’s homes without warrants and to the last administration where they were ignoring the Southern border,”.News article, July 7, 2026
That means someone with the courage to lower prices by standing up to corporations fixing prices against us and ending this disastrous trade war, force ICE to adhere to the same standards the rest of our law enforcement is bound by, and protect the institutions that have kept American democracy so enduring to this point, like establishing an independent DOJ.News story, May 14, 2026
I resigned from my position as a federal prosecutor because I couldn’t in good conscience stay on as this administration turned the Department of Justice into the president’s personal law firm.Campaign website, March 16, 2026
The Justice Department should work for the American people, not the President. The Justice Manual, the document that outlines the Department’s policies and procedures, should be codified so one figure can’t change it to their own benefit.Campaign website (undated)
It’s unclear what the goals are, what the end game is, how we get out of this, and if there’s any plan behind this whatsoever, Congress must act to restrain this administration so more American lives aren’t needlessly lost.News story, March 4, 2026
Banning partisan gerrymandering
If we’re serious about restoring trust in our elections, we need an independent, nonpartisan process for drawing district lines.Campaign website, August 24, 2026
Independent redistricting commissions in every state: Voters should pick their elected representatives, not the other way around. As politicians are in a race to the bottom, rigging the line of their districts to pick who votes for them, the rest of us are feeling left behind from both political parties. If we’re serious about restoring trust in our elections, we need an independent, nonpartisan process for drawing district lines.Campaign website (undated)
Supported strengthening voting rights
protecting the right to voteJoint candidate letter (Defend the Vote), October 26, 2026
Opposed war with Iran or called for ending it
I have been against this war from the beginning, And let me be clear, a vote for me is a vote to end this endless quagmire in Iran.Debate, October 22, 2026
After that, I want to take these tariffs on and I want to end the war in Iran. Those are the most immediate things we can do to drive down the everyday costs of folksVideo, October 29, 2026
After that, I want to take these tariffs on and I want to end the war in Iran.Video, October 29, 2026
We owe it to our troops and the American people to make sure that war is a last resort, and that any such actions are taken with a full explanation to the American people and approval from their representatives in Congress. This isn’t ‘America First’ – it’s dangerous and reckless.Campaign press release, February 28, 2026
Congress should hold this President accountable by passing the bipartisan Congressional War Powers Resolutions introduced by Senator Tim Kaine and Rand Paul and Congressmen Tom Massie and Ro Khanna. And if they won’t, we need to hold him accountable in November.Campaign press release, February 28, 2026
Families in Central Kentucky and our brave service members are paying the price of the war in Iran,” said former Navy JAG and congressional candidate Zach Dembo. “People in this district do not want another forever war in the Middle East, especially one that has dragged on for more than seven months with no end in sight. As this conflict continues, gas, diesel, and fertilizer costs have skyrocketed, putting even more pressure on working families. Meanwhile, billionaires are profiting from the war. It is yet another example of a corrupt Washington that puts wealthy special interests ahead of the hardworking Americans who are left footing the bill.Campaign press release, October 12, 2026
I will be a vote to stop these terrible Medicaid cuts from ripping health care away from Kentuckians and shuttering rural hospitals, and I will be a vote to end the war in Iran and have said that from the very beginning.Debate, October 23, 2026
AND SO IF WE DON'T HAVE AN END TO THIS SENSELESS WAR IN IRAN, I THINK THE COST OF GROCERIES ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO SKYROCKET.Debate, October 22, 2026
I will be a vote to end the tariffs that don't make sense and are driving up costs. I will be a vote to stop these terrible Medicaid cuts from ripping health care away from Kentuckians and shuttering rural hospitals, and I will be a vote to end the war in Iran and have said that from the very beginning. My opponent represents the same failed, corrupt career politician that got us into this trouble in the first place. He's passed bills to benefit his own financial interests. I represent an independent voice. I want to take that corruption on by banning stock trading and enacting term limits.Debate, October 23, 2026
As the only veteran in this race, and the only person who wore a uniform, I don’t understand how my opponent could be for this warNews story, October 29, 2026
We need to end the war in Iran and reel in these reckless tariffsNews story, October 31, 2026
I know the first thing that we have to do is for Congress to actually grow a backbone and stand up against this warNews story, October 30, 2026
A vote for me is a vote to end the war in Iran.Post on X, October 22, 2026
we are clearly stuck in an endless foreign war. The only way we're going to get out of this is if veterans um get into Congress and stand up against this.Video, October 14, 2026
Now, 200 long days later, our strategic objectives aren’t met, Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, American lives – including several Kentuckians – have been lost, and my opponent won’t say a word. This is the cost of corruption, and we deserve leadership that fights for us rather than shipping our hard-earned tax dollars overseas.Campaign press release, September 16, 2026
And look, I didn't agree with President Trump on almost anything he said in his campaign, but one of the things I did was no more endless foreign wars.Video, October 14, 2026
I stood with fellow veterans today to call for an end to the Iran war and bring down diesel costs.Post on X, October 12, 2026
“This race has moved in our direction because folks believe in our message: ban congressional stock trading, end the Iran war, roll back these reckless tariffs, and lower costs for working families,”.News article, September 30, 2026
We have got to cut these tariffs that are just taxes that we're all paying and we've got to stop this Iran war.Video, October 14, 2026
What we have to do is end this senseless war in Iran.News article, October 23, 2026
“I want no more endless wars either,”.News article, October 12, 2026
out against the Iran war, the toll it has had on service members, and the impact it has had on costs at home.Campaign website, February 18, 2026
Called for a specific diplomatic step or civilian protections
As a matter of fact, if the president had just stayed in the JCPOA that had been negotiated under President Obama, we'd be in a far better situation.Debate, April 27, 2026
We need to show countries like China and Russia that we won’t support their attempts to take over other nations. That means supporting Ukraine, protecting Taiwan’s sovereignty, and deescalating this War of Choice in Iran.Campaign website, October 22, 2026