Ned
Pillersdorf
Democratic attorney and community leader challenging incumbent Hal Rogers in Kentucky's 5th Congressional District in 2026
- sources
- 11
- positions
- 6
- endorsements
- 2
Background
Ned Pillersdorf is the Democratic candidate challenging Republican incumbent Hal Rogers in Kentucky's 5th Congressional District in the November 3, 2026, general election. 11516
Based in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, Pillersdorf has practiced law since 1981, focusing on criminal defense, civil rights, and poverty-focused legal representation at the firm Pillersdorf DeRossett Lane. He is also listed as executive director of The David School. 154
Pillersdorf holds a degree in political science and sociology from Vanderbilt University (1977) and a J.D. from the University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law (1980). The available sources do not identify any prior elected or legislative office held. 24
His FEC principal campaign committee is registered as NED FOR CONGRESS (C00907055), reflecting his status as a challenger rather than an incumbent. 15
At a glance
- Party
- Democratic
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 5, Kentucky
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- Attorney, Pillersdorf DeRossett Lane; Executive Director, The David School
- Website
- nedforcongress.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 11newsPillersdorf confirmed on November 3 general-election ballot alongside Rogers and two independents
As of an October 11 race guide, Pillersdorf was listed among the candidates on the November 3 general-election ballot, alongside Republican Hal Rogers and independents Gerardo Serrano and Mikel Wein. The voter-registration deadline had passed.
Kentucky's 5th District Race 2026: Who's Running (KY-5) · Oct 3, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 8newsPillersdorf answers Courier Journal candidate questionnaire, citing safety-net restoration as top priority
In the Courier Journal's guide to Kentucky congressional candidates, Pillersdorf identified restoring safety-net programs as his top legislative priority. He said he would propose block grants to support rural hospitals, broadband, and water quality; favored a moratorium on data centers; and supported expanding Medicaid eligibility and reversing cuts in the 'big ugly bill.'
Who's running for Congress in KY? Meet candidates in 2026 election · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 3newsPillersdorf states by email he would have opposed congressional authorization for U.S. military involvement in Iran
Dispute Index reported that Pillersdorf stated by email: 'Opposed to the senseless and reckless war in Iran. Needed congressional authorization- which I would have opposed.' The statement was reported October 3 and the site's page was updated October 7.
Ned Pillersdorf says he would vote against military involvement in Iran · Oct 3, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 29newsPillersdorf makes campaign stop at Pulaski County Democratic Picnic in Somerset
At the Pulaski County Democratic Picnic in Somerset, Pillersdorf called for repealing the 'Big Ugly Bill,' federal block grants for education and health care, action on water problems, and movement toward universal health care. He supported expanding the Affordable Care Act and raised concerns about rural hospitals, Medicaid funding, and affordable housing.
Democratic U.S. Congress candidate Ned Pillersdorf makes stop in Pulaski · Sep 29, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jun 30filingPillersdorf campaign finance figures through June 30: $182,281 raised, $91,006 spent, $91,275 cash on hand
FEC-based figures reported for the period through June 30 show Pillersdorf's campaign had raised $182,281, spent $91,006, and held $91,275 in cash. These are campaign-committee totals, not a measure of outside spending.
Kentucky's 5th District Race 2026: Who's Running (KY-5) · Oct 3, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- Kentucky State AFL-CIO unionListed on the Kentucky State AFL-CIO's 2026 endorsements page for U.S. Representative, District 5. Specific announcement date not shown. ky.aflcio.org
- Martin O'Malley officialFormer Maryland governor and former Social Security Administration commissioner; listed as an endorser in a compiled 2026 Kentucky House-election endorsements list. Specific announcement date not found. en.wikipedia.org
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $182K
- Spent
- $91K
- Cash on hand
- $91K
As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6KY05152(opens in a new tab)
Sources 11
- [1] ky.aflcio.org › 2026-endorsements2026 Endorsements | Kentucky State AFL-CIO(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [2] Who's running for Congress in KY? Meet candidates in 2026 election(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [3] Kentucky's 5th District Race 2026: Who's Running (KY-5)(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
- [4] Ned Pillersdorf says he would vote against military involvement in Iran(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
- [5] Democratic U.S. Congress candidate Ned Pillersdorf makes stop in Pulaski(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
- [6] Democratic U.S. Congress candidate Ned Pillersdorf makes stop in Pulaski(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
- [7] Ned Pillersdorf — 2026 Kentucky's 5th Congressional District ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 30, 2026
- [8] Kentucky - Gun Sense Voter(opens in a new tab) May 20, 2026
- [9] Candidates discuss economy and healthcare(opens in a new tab) May 13, 2026
- [10] 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in ...(opens in a new tab) Feb 11, 2025
- [11] Ned Pillersdorf — official campaign website(opens in a new tab)