Congressman Hal Rogers files for re-election

Nov. 14—U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, Dean of the House, has filed for re-election once again. Rogers, who will turn 87 at the end of December, will be seeking an unmatched 23rd consecutive term in the House of Representatives.

Rogers, who first served in the House nearly 43 years ago, earned the status of Dean of the House — the chamber's longest-serving member — in March of 2022 upon the passing of Rep. Don Young of Alaska.

Rogers' election to the Fifth Congressional District seat in eastern Kentucky has became almost a formality since 1980. Rogers has won over 80% percent of the votes in his past two elections. He has had at least 70% of the votes in 19 of his 22 election victories, with his only close race coming in 1992 when he defeated his Democratic opponent John Doug Hayes 54.6% to 45.4%. Rogers had comfortable wins his first two terms with voter shares of 67.5% and 65.2%, respectively. Rogers has won 100% of the votes, or ran unopposed, in six of his wins.

His unmatched longevity in the House has greatly benefited the citizens and communities of Eastern Kentucky over the past 43 years.

"Eastern Kentucky is thriving with more job opportunities, greater access to rural broadband, better infrastructure, rapid growth in our tourism industry, and we're launching the next generation into a brighter future," said Rogers. "We have made great strides, but our work is not done. With President Biden's constant attacks on our way of life, I will continue to put the interests of the people of southern and eastern Kentucky first, echoing their voice on Capitol Hill."

Over the years, Rogers has leveraged his seniority on the House Appropriations Committee. Rogers' ability to secure key funding has spurred some of rural Kentucky's greatest success stories. Organizations such as Operation UNITE, Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED), The Center for Rural Development and Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) have brought local communities together by providing hope in the fight against drugs, building small businesses, advancing innovative opportunities, boosting the tourism economy and creating jobs.

"It is an honor to represent the people of Kentucky's fifth district and to stand strong for the conservative values that we hold dear. I will always support the Second Amendment, fight to protect life and stand for freedom," added Rogers. "The mountain grit and resilience of our people inspire me to charge forward every day, and I deeply appreciate their trust to continue the fight. Our best days are ahead of us in Eastern Kentucky."

Contact Steve Cornelius at scornelius@somerset-kentucky.com.