Democrat Ned Pillersdorf Enters 5th District Race, Targets Local Needs

Ned Pillersdorf officially filed on Wednesday to run for Kentuckys Fifth Congressional District, announcing a Democratic campaign centered on expanding rural health care access, improving broadband, supporting education and addressing clean drinking water needs. Pillersdorf made the filing in Pikeville and released a campaign statement to WYMT laying out those priorities and criticizing federal policy choices that he says have harmed vulnerable families in the region.

“What I have heard loud and clear is that our neighbors are truly fearful of the consequences of the Republican attacks on the less fortunate and are looking for a congressman who will actively resist these attacks and make life more affordable,” Pillersdorf said in a news release sent to WYMT.

The filing formalizes a challenge to incumbent Congressman Hal Rogers, who has already filed for re election. The Fifth District primary is scheduled for May, setting a timeline for a campaign that will play out across the coalfield counties and other rural communities that include Perry County. The contest is likely to bring heightened attention to longstanding local priorities such as access to medical care, reliable internet service for homes and schools, and safe drinking water systems.

For Perry County residents the announcement underscores how federal representation connects to daily needs. Rural health care access affects hospital services, primary care availability, and transportation for medical visits. Broadband expansion has direct implications for students who depend on internet service for schoolwork, for small businesses seeking customers online, and for residents accessing telehealth services. Clean drinking water concerns raise questions about infrastructure investment and regulatory enforcement at multiple levels of government.

Institutionally, the race will force scrutiny of how federal funding and policy choices are directed to rural eastern Kentucky. Campaigns will likely emphasize grant programs, federal infrastructure dollars and oversight of state and federal agencies tasked with delivering services. For voters, the primary offers an opportunity to weigh competing visions for how the district should advocate in Washington for local priorities.

The timing of the filing, reported by WYMT on November 12, 2025, begins the formal campaign calendar but also signals a potential increase in local political activity, including candidate events, public forums and voter outreach. Increased attention typically leads to greater civic engagement, and county officials and community groups may see new opportunities to press candidates on specific projects and needs.

As the race develops, Perry County residents will face choices about which proposals and leadership styles best address immediate challenges and long term recovery. Voters interested in following the campaign should monitor candidate filings, primary dates and local forums where policy specifics will be debated and tested.