By McKenna Horsley

Kentucky Lantern

Candidates vying for Kentucky offices in 2026 — including open U.S. Senate and U.S. House seats — can now formally file to run in the state.

Although several politicians have announced their campaigns throughout the year, Wednesday marked the first day candidates could formally file with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office.

The candidates’ filing period ends Jan. 9.

The only federal candidate to file Wednesday was Republican U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers for reelection in the 5th Congressional District in Eastern Kentucky.

Kentucky’s ballot will have a heated race for U.S. Senate next year as the longtime seat holder, Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell , announced earlier this year he is not seeking reelection.

Some U.S. House races will also be

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