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In a closely watched race for the Kentucky 4th House District, seven Republican candidates are vying for their party’s nomination ahead of the state’s primary election on May 20, 2026. According to campaign finance reports and recent polling data, the contest is gaining significant attention in the lead-up to the election.
Leading contenders include businessman Mike Weaver, state representative Savannah Maddox, and businessman and former Army Ranger, Brian Boies. Weaver and Maddox have both garnered significant support from within the district’s Republican establishment, with Weaver boasting a considerable war chest and Maddox leveraging her ties with state party leaders. Boies, meanwhile, has capitalized on his military experience and appeals to voters looking for a fresh face in politics.
Weaver’s campaign finance reports show he has raised over $500,000 in contributions, with the majority coming from local business interests and Republican Party organizations. Maddox has also shown strong fundraising numbers, collecting over $350,000, largely from state party organizations and influential Republicans in Kentucky. Meanwhile, Boies’ campaign has received significant grassroots support, with individuals contributing over $200,000 to his effort.
Recent polls suggest a tight contest is shaping up. A poll conducted by the Kentucky Lantern shows Weaver with a slim 4-point lead over Maddox, followed closely by Boies at 7 points behind the frontrunner. However, another poll by AdImpact suggests Maddox has a 6-point advantage over Weaver, with Boies a further 4 points back. These results indicate the primary remains a fluid and unpredictable contest.
Incumbent state representative Laura White Bullock opted against seeking re-election, opening up the district to a crowded field of aspirants vying for the Republican nomination.
The outcome of this contest has significant implications for the GOP in Kentucky as a whole, with the winner likely facing a Democrat in a close general election contest. In a statement this week, state Democratic Party Chair, Colmon Elridge, acknowledged the district’s lean towards Republicans but expressed optimism about the party’s prospects. “This seat represents the kind of down-ballot race that can make or break an election,” Elridge said. “It’s a critical test for Democrats, and we will be taking a close look at voter turnout and campaign dynamics to ensure we remain competitive.”
While the general election contest is still months away, Republican voters in the 4th District must now consider how their primary choice will shape the party’s prospects in the months ahead.