Ned Pillersdorf

Ned Pillersdorf is the Democratic nominee for Kentucky's 5th Congressional District and a Prestonsburg attorney who has practiced in Floyd County for more than 40 years. He is challenging incumbent Hal Rogers, citing opposition to cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and food stamps and to Rogers's vote for the 2025 reconciliation tax law.[1][2]

Pillersdorf has worked in his own law office and in several nonprofits in the Floyd County area for more than 40 years, according to WYMT. He says he has had an "underdog/poverty volume" law practice for 44 years.[1][2] He represented thousands of Eastern Kentuckians who lost disability benefits after being represented by attorney Eric Conn, and he is featured in the 2022 Apple TV+ documentary series "The Big Conn."[4] He is married to former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Janet Stumbo and has helped run nonpartisan campaigns for her.[4]

Pillersdorf announced his candidacy for Congress on July 4, 2025, after saying he would run against Rogers over the 2025 reconciliation bill.[1][2][4] The Democratic primary for the seat, scheduled for May 19, 2026, was canceled, and he advanced to the general election as the Democratic nominee.[3]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21.