Billy
Ray Wilson
Independent write-in challenger for Kentucky's 5th Congressional District; Air Force veteran and author
- sources
- 3
- positions
- 13
- endorsements
- 0
Background
Billy Ray Wilson is an Independent write-in candidate for Kentucky's 5th Congressional District in the 2026 general election. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served from September 30, 1960, until his retirement on October 1, 1980, after which he worked with Northrop and McDonnell Douglas Services in Saudi Arabia and held civilian positions under the Office of Personnel Management at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the civilian Department of the Army. 79
Wilson was born in Laurel County, Kentucky, and describes himself on his campaign site as a veteran, author, and founder of the United States Nationalist Worker's Party. His LinkedIn profile notes that he did not pursue a college degree and describes military and civil-service training as his background. 89
The Kentucky Secretary of State lists Wilson as a write-in candidate for U.S. Representative, 5th District, with a filing date of December 9, 2025. The FEC classifies him as an Independent challenger. 212 The incumbent, Hal Rogers, has represented the district since 1981. 14
At a glance
- Party
- Independent
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 5, Kentucky
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Website
- billyraywilson.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Date unknownnewsFEC tracker shows no FEC reports on file for Billy Ray Wilson
A ChamberLight race page (updated around October 11, 2026) lists Wilson as having 'NO FEC REPORTS ON FILE,' indicating no campaign finance filings were found for him with the FEC. This does not confirm whether he raised or spent money outside any reporting requirement.
Kentucky's 5th district · 2026 election | ChamberLight · Sep 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 8newsBilly Ray Wilson participates in Courier Journal candidate questionnaire as write-in candidate in KY-05
The Courier Journal published Wilson's responses in its guide to Kentucky congressional candidates. He stated his leading legislative priority would be recommending US Constitutional Amendments, including removing the president as commander in chief and clarifying birthright citizenship. He said he would 'only remain two years in Washington,' opposed military aid to Ukraine and Israel, and answered 'Deny their installation' on data centers. The guide notes his name will not appear on the ballot but he is eligible to receive write-in votes.
Who's running for Congress in KY? Meet candidates in 2026 election · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 8filingWilson confirmed as write-in candidate in KY-05; name will not appear on ballot
The Courier Journal's candidate guide lists Billy Ray Wilson as a write-in candidate for Kentucky's 5th Congressional District, noting he will not appear on the printed ballot but will be eligible to receive votes. No official Kentucky filing record or certification date was identified in the sources reviewed.
Who's running for Congress in KY? Meet candidates in 2026 election · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Past elections
General election results for federal office, from the Federal Election Commission.
| Year | Seat | Result | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | U.S. House KY-05 · W | Lost | 34 | 0.0% |
Covers the 2016 to 2022 general elections. The FEC has not yet published 2024 congressional results.
Sources 3
- [1] Who's running for Congress in KY? Meet candidates in 2026 election(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [2] Kentucky's 5th district · 2026 election | ChamberLight(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
- [3] [PDF] I Am A United States Citizen. Are You? - Billy Ray Wilson(opens in a new tab) Mar 16, 2026