Kentucky GOP House Race: New Voices, Old Faith

The northern part of Boone and Kenton counties is heating up as three Republican candidates vie for a seat that represents about 43, 000 residents. Incumbent Kim Banta, who entered office in 2019 after a long career in education, faces her first primary challenger. Her opponents, Cole Cuzick and Seth Winslow Young, claim they will bring fresh conservative ideas to the district. Banta’s background as a teacher, principal and school administrator has shaped her legislative priorities. She championed a law that guarantees due process for students facing expulsion and is working to remove Kentucky’s “conviction cap, ” which allows parole after 20 years even for life sentences. While she is a Catholic, Banta says her approach to lawmaking focuses on policies that benefit all citizens, regardless of faith or race.Cuzick, a 29‑year‑old political analyst, describes himself as a “constitutional conservative. ” He argues that Banta’s record on issues like gender‑affirming care and religious counseling shows a liberal tilt. Cuzick plans to push for the elimination of state income tax, a hard‑line review of welfare programs such as SNAP and Medicaid, and overall budget cuts to restore fiscal balance. Young, 23, is a recent medical discharge from the Navy and a current student at Eastern Kentucky University. He feels long‑time politicians have become disconnected from voters. His platform focuses on tightening criminal justice, curbing drug trafficking along I‑75, and reducing state taxes to ease the burden on families. Young also wants more resources for schools, criticizing Kentucky’s low national ranking in education. All three candidates emphasize their Christian values as a guiding principle, but they differ on how those beliefs translate into policy. The primary will test whether voters prefer continuity with Banta’s experience or a shift toward the more hard‑line stances of Cuzick and Young.