Melissa Strange

Strange was born and raised in Villa Hills, Kentucky, and now lives in Erlanger, according to her campaign website as reported by WCPO. LINK nky reports she lives there with her husband and has two sons.[2][3] She graduated from Dixie Heights High School, Northern Kentucky University and Thomas More University, according to LINK nky; a November 2025 LINK nky report on her campaign launch says her degrees are a bachelor's in international studies and an MBA.[3][8]

Strange has worked for nearly 30 years as a supply chain director for a global nutrition and agribusiness company, and LINK nky reports she is a director of supply chain management at Archer Daniels Midland in Erlanger.[2][3] At her campaign launch in November 2025 she was described as a supply chain professional with 27 years in the sector, and as a volunteer academic team coach for 16 years.[8]

Strange won the May 19, 2026 Democratic primary with 72.4% of the vote, defeating Jesse Brewer, to become the nominee for the open seat.[9][2] She campaigned on restoring trust in government, affordability, and protecting individual medical decision-making, including abortion access.[1][2][3] She received 40.9% of the vote to Ed Gallrein's 54.2%, according to unofficial results reported by NBC News.[4]