Kentucky is known as a very conservative state, but we discovered two years ago that even progressives represent constituencies in so-called “red” states! Most conservative states have cities that are heavily progressive, particularly the largest city in each state. In Kentucky, that city is Louisville. Sarah Stalker (she/her), is a representative from Louisville to the Kentucky House of Representatives. First elected in 2022, she won re-election in 2024 and is running again in 2026. Sarah believes in putting the environment and the working class over profits and capital gains, to the point that she encourages mutual aid, trading and bartering, and thrifting as much as possible for environmental reasons, cost effectiveness and to avoid participating in capitalism. She is also a huge proponent of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.

Where are you based?
I’m based in Louisville KY, I was born and raised here and came back home to raise our son after living in Los Angeles and Chicago.

What is your position/what position are you running for?
I am the current State Representative for the 34th House District.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
I am an advocate and supporter of policies that respect the basic human rights every person should have. Safe affordable housing, healthcare including access to abortion and contraception, strong and equitable public education, voting rights, and safe jobs that provide a living wage, not a minimum wage.

What inspired you to run?
I was asked about five days before the filing deadline in January 2022 after redistricting drew several democratic women out of their districts or combined them to force them to primary one another. It was the worst time someone could have asked me. What I know to be true is that the worst time can also be the right time. We had just closed our home as foster parents after six and an half years, and I saw this as a different vehicle to do the work from a policy perspective to help vulnerable children.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
I want the 45,000 people I represent and many more to learn more about how state government works, if we can educate and engage people, the byproduct should be that we activate people. Our country is out of control and so many states are following the dangerous roadmap of plans like Project 2025 and Project Esther. People need to understand everything is political. When we are not educated and engaged in the civic life of our community, we risk our very freedoms.

How long have you been in office? What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
I joined the Kentucky General Assembly in 2023. As someone who sits in the political super minority as a democrat in the House, I have been successful with several pieces of legislation coming into law. This session in 2026 I ensured former foster youth could come back into care without a wait period. In 2024 I changed pregnancy to be a qualifying life event to trigger a special enrollment period to those who don’t have insurance but don’t financially qualify for Medicaid. I also that year passed legislation to make birth certificates and identification cards free for individuals experiencing homelessness.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
Our voting rights are being attacked, our bodily autonomy, people are our neighbors are disappearing in front of us. Facts and the constitution are being challenged in ways we have never experienced as a country. In my small place in the world I am working everyday counteract bad legislation, have genuine conversations across the aisle, filing bills that protect people and I’m listening and engaging my community.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
Asking questions to truly understand people is the key for me. If we are unable or unwilling to engage in real conversations to better understand why/what informs ourselves and one another of our beliefs, biases and values; we won’t bridge the divide where it is possible.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I am someone is not disconnected from the issues so many people face. I am someone who has been on state assistance for SNAP and healthcare for a period of time when our kids were young. I have spent many years working on the nonprofit sector and built a lot of relationships and understanding of the needs for years before I was asked to run. I am a very curious person who enjoys working with a variety of people and I truly want to help people.

What is your motto in life?
You can’t be everyone’s cup of tea, so don't water yourself down trying to be.

Where can we find out more about you?
Website: SarahForKy.com
Instagram: sarahforky

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Sarah Stalker, Kentucky House of Representatives District 34