Who Is Running in Kentucky Congressional District 2nd in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Brett Guthrie
(Incumbent)Economy
HighCongressman Brett Guthrie supports policies to foster American energy dominance and lower energy costs, advocating for baseload power sources like coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear. He voted for H.R. 4553 to invest in energy and nuclear capabilities and H.J. Res. 136 against EPA tailpipe emissions. Guthrie also championed H.R. 7389 to modernize the automotive industry and supported bills to protect consumer choice in home appliances and reduce energy regulations to lower prices for families.
Immigration
HighBrett Guthrie voted in favor of H.R. 3486 in 2026, a bill designed to increase penalties for individuals who illegally enter and reenter the United States after being removed. He states that the immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed. Guthrie prioritizes securing the southern border by strengthening scanning technology at ports of entry, hiring more personnel, and working to stem the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. He also emphasizes enforcing immigration laws within the country.
Healthcare
HighBrett Guthrie supports initiatives to lower healthcare costs and improve affordability by increasing competition and promoting price transparency. As Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, he advances policies to bolster the healthcare workforce and improve access, especially in rural areas. He also works on legislation to combat the fentanyl crisis, strengthen the medical supply chain, and has initiated investigations into rising health insurance premiums and Medicaid fraud.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Brett Guthrie |
|---|---|
| Economy | Congressman Brett Guthrie supports policies to foster American energy dominance and lower energy costs, advocating for baseload power sources like coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear. He voted for H.R. 4553 to invest in energy and nuclear capabilities and H.J. Res. 136 against EPA tailpipe emissions. Guthrie also championed H.R. 7389 to modernize the automotive industry and supported bills to protect consumer choice in home appliances and reduce energy regulations to lower prices for families. High |
| Immigration | Brett Guthrie voted in favor of H.R. 3486 in 2026, a bill designed to increase penalties for individuals who illegally enter and reenter the United States after being removed. He states that the immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed. Guthrie prioritizes securing the southern border by strengthening scanning technology at ports of entry, hiring more personnel, and working to stem the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. He also emphasizes enforcing immigration laws within the country. High |
| Healthcare | Brett Guthrie supports initiatives to lower healthcare costs and improve affordability by increasing competition and promoting price transparency. As Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, he advances policies to bolster the healthcare workforce and improve access, especially in rural areas. He also works on legislation to combat the fentanyl crisis, strengthen the medical supply chain, and has initiated investigations into rising health insurance premiums and Medicaid fraud. High |
| Climate & Energy | Brett Guthrie, a member of the Conservative Climate Caucus, acknowledges climate change as a serious threat but opposes the Green New Deal due to its projected costs, advocating instead for market-based solutions. He supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy, voting for H.R. 4553 to invest in U.S. energy dominance and H.J. Res. 136 to end EPA's tailpipe emissions regulations, citing consumer choice and affordability. As Chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, he emphasizes securing energy infrastructure and promoting energy independence. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Brett Guthrie voted against H.R. 3755, which would have allowed abortion on demand until birth, stating his belief that an unborn child is a "separate and distinct life" and supporting states' ability to restrict third-trimester abortions. He supported the Defund Planned Parenthood Act (H.R. 3134) and the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 3504), emphasizing that "life is a gift" and advocating for policies that prohibit federal funding for abortions. High |
| Foreign Policy | Brett Guthrie voted in favor of H.R. 7006, the National Security and Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, stating it codifies President Trump’s foreign policy agenda to strengthen America’s standing. He also supported the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act and H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026. He believes peace is best preserved through a strong U.S. military and robust investments in defense. High |
| Education | Congressman Brett Guthrie sponsored the bipartisan Student Financial Clarity Act, which passed the House Committee on Education and Workforce 27-6 in December 2025. This legislation aims to provide students with transparent information regarding higher education costs and outcomes. He also advocates for improving financial literacy for students and their families through comprehensive counseling services. The National Education Association rated him 0%. High |
| Gun Policy | Brett Guthrie voted in favor of H.R. 2189 in 2025, a bill designed to modernize federal firearms laws. This legislation reclassifies conducted electrical weapons (CEWs), such as tasers, as "less-than-lethal projectile devices" instead of firearms. The purpose of this change is to streamline the procurement process for law enforcement agencies. This action aims to enhance officer and community safety by providing easier access to tools that can de-escalate high-risk encounters without requiring deadly force. Medium |
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