2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Kentucky
← 2010 November 6, 2012 2014 →
All 6 Kentucky seats to the United States House of Representatives
  Majority party Minority party
 
Party Republican Democratic
Last election 4 2
Seats won 5 1
Seat change Increase 1 Decrease 1
Popular vote 1,027,582 684,744
Percentage 58.87% 39.23%
Swing Decrease 3.48% Increase 1.84%
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The 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Kentucky were held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, to elect the six U.S. representatives from the state of Kentucky, one from each of the state's six congressional districts. The elections will coincide with the elections of other federal and state offices, including a quadrennial presidential election. Primary elections were held on May 22, 2012.[1]

Overview

United States House of Representatives elections in Kentucky, 2012[2]
Party Votes Percentage Seats +/–
Republican 1,027,582 58.87% 5 +1
Democratic 684,744 39.23% 1 -1
Libertarian 4,914 0.28% 0 —
Others 28,137 1.61% 0 —
Totals 1,745,377 100.00% 6 —

Redistricting

Redistricting legislation was passed by both houses of the Kentucky General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Steve Beshear on February 10, 2012.[3]

District 1

2012 Kentucky's 1st congressional district election
← 2010
2014 →
 
Nominee Ed Whitfield Charles Hatchett
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 199,956 87,199
Percentage 69.6% 30.4%
County results
Whitfield:      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Hatchett:      50–60%
U.S. Representative before election

Ed Whitfield
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Ed Whitfield
Republican

See also: Kentucky's 1st congressional district

Republican Ed Whitfield, who had represented the 1st district since 1995, ran for re-election.[4] In redistricting, the 1st district was made slightly more competitive, but continues to strongly favor Republicans.[5]

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary
Declined

Primary results

Democratic primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Charles Kendall Hatchett 19,127 59.1
Democratic James Buckmaster 13,239 40.9
Total votes 32,366 100.0

General election

Results

Kentucky's 1st congressional district, 2012 [2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Ed Whitfield (incumbent) 199,956 69.6
Democratic Charles Kendall Hatchett 87,199 30.4
Total votes 287,155 100.0
Republican hold

District 2

2012 Kentucky's 2nd congressional district election
← 2010
2014 →
 
Nominee Brett Guthrie David Williams
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 181,508 89,541
Percentage 64.3% 31.7%
County results
Guthrie:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
U.S. Representative before election

Brett Guthrie
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Brett Guthrie
Republican

See also: Kentucky's 2nd congressional district

Republican Brett Guthrie, who had represented the 2nd district since 2009, ran for re-election.[7] In redistricting, the 2nd district was made slightly more favourable to Republicans.[5]

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee
Declined

Libertarian primary

Craig Astor ran as a Libertarian:[9]

General election

Results

Kentucky's 2nd congressional district, 2012 [2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Brett Guthrie (incumbent) 181,508 64.3
Democratic David Lynn Williams 89,541 31.7
Independent Andrew R. Beacham 6,304 2.2
Libertarian Craig R. Astor 4,914 1.8
Total votes 282,267 100.0
Republican hold

District 3

2012 Kentucky's 3rd congressional district election
← 2010
2014 →
 
Nominee John Yarmuth Brooks Wicker
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 206,385 111,452
Percentage 64.0% 34.5%
County result
Yarmuth:      60–70%
U.S. Representative before election

John Yarmuth
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

John Yarmuth
Democratic

See also: Kentucky's 3rd congressional district

Democrat John Yarmuth, who had represented the 3rd district since 2007, ran for re-election.[10] The 3rd district was made more favorable to Democrats in redistricting.[5]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary

Primary results

Democratic primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John Yarmuth (incumbent) 43,635 86.7
Democratic Burrel Charles Farnsley 6,716 13.3
Total votes 50,351 100.0

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

General election

Results

Kentucky's 3rd congressional district, 2012 [2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John Yarmuth (incumbent) 206,385 64.0
Republican Brooks Wicker 111,452 34.5
Independent Robert L. DeVore, Jr. 4,819 1.5
Total votes 322,656 100.0
Democratic hold

District 4

2012 Kentucky's 4th congressional district elections
← 2010
2014 →
 
Nominee Thomas Massie Bill Adkins
Party Republican Democratic
General election popular vote 186,036
62.1% 		104,734
35.0%
Special election popular vote 174,092
59.9% 		106,598
36.7%
Massie:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Adkins:      40–50%      50–60%      70–80%
U.S. Representative before election

Geoff Davis
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Thomas Massie
Republican

See also: Kentucky's 4th congressional district

Republican Geoff Davis, who had represented 4th district from 2005 to 2012, resigned due to family health issues.[7] In redistricting, the 4th district was made more favorable to Republicans.[5]

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary
Declined

Primary results

County results
Map legend
  •   Massie—50–60%
  •   Massie—40–50%
  •   Massie—30–40%
  •   Webb-Edgington—40–50%
Republican primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Thomas Massie 19,689 44.8
Republican Alecia Webb-Edgington 12,557 28.6
Republican Gary Moore 6,521 14.8
Republican Walter Christian Schumm 3,514 8.0
Republican Marc Carey 783 1.8
Republican Tom Wurtz 598 1.4
Republican Brian D. Oerther 257 0.6
Total votes 43,919 100.0

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary
Declined

Primary results

Democratic primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Bill Adkins 17,209 68.6
Democratic Greg Frank 7,869 31.4
Total votes 25,078 100.0

Special election

Results

Kentucky's 4th congressional district special election, 2012[25]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Thomas Massie 174,092 59.9
Democratic Bill Adkins 106,598 36.7
Independent David Lewis 9,987 3.4
Total votes 290,677 100.0
Republican hold

General election

Results

Kentucky's 4th congressional district regular election, 2012 [2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Thomas Massie 186,036 62.1
Democratic Bill Adkins 104,734 35.0
Independent David Lewis 8,674 2.9
Total votes 299,444 100.0
Republican hold

District 5

2012 Kentucky's 5th congressional district election
← 2010
2014 →
 
Nominee Hal Rogers Kenneth Stepp
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 195,408 55,447
Percentage 77.9% 22.1%
County results
Rogers:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Stepp:      50–60%
U.S. Representative before election

Hal Rogers
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Hal Rogers
Republican

See also: Kentucky's 5th congressional district

Republican Hal Rogers, who had represented the 5th district since 1981, ran for re-election.[7] The 5th district was made slightly more competitive in redistricting.[5]

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary

Primary results

Democratic primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Kenneth S. Stepp 12,275 52.7
Democratic Michael Ackerman 11,016 47.3
Total votes 23,291 100.0

General election

Results

Kentucky's 5th congressional district, 2012 [2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Hal Rogers (incumbent) 195,408 77.9
Democratic Kenneth S. Stepp 55,447 22.1
Total votes 250,855 100.0
Republican hold

District 6

2012 Kentucky's 6th congressional district election
← 2010
2014 →
 
Nominee Andy Barr Ben Chandler
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 153,222 141,438
Percentage 50.6% 46.7%
County results
Barr:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Chandler:      50–60%
U.S. Representative before election

Ben Chandler
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Andy Barr
Republican

See also: Kentucky's 6th congressional district

Democrat Ben Chandler, who had represented the 6th district since 2004, ran for re-election.[7] In redistricting, the 6th district was modified with the effect that, had the 2008 presidential election been held under the new boundaries, Democratic nominee Barack Obama would have received a share of the vote 1.5 percentage points greater than that which he achieved under the former boundaries.[5]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary

Primary results

Republican primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Andy Barr 20,104 82.8
Republican Patrick J. Kelly, II 2,823 11.6
Republican Curtis Kenimer 1,354 5.6
Total votes 24,281 100.0

General election

Randolph S. Vance ran as a write-in candidate.[30]

Endorsements

Ben Chandler (D)
Organizations
Andy Barr (R)
Organizations

Polling

Poll
source 		Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		Ben
Chandler (D) 		Andy
Barr (R) 		Randolph
Vance (I) 		Undecided
Public Opinion Strategies (R-Barr) September 30–October 1, 2012 400 ± % 49% 46% — 5%
Mellman (D-Chandler) September 10–13, 2012 400 ± 4.9% 51% 37% 3% 9%
Public Opinion Strategies (R-Barr) June 24–26, 2012 400 ± 4.9% 47% 42% — 13%
Mellman (D-Chandler) March 26–28, 2012 400 ± 4.9% 54% 30% — 16%
Public Opinion Strategies (R-Barr) February 20–21, 2012 400 ± 4.9% 49% 42% — 9%

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[34] Tossup November 5, 2012
Rothenberg[35] Tossup November 2, 2012
Roll Call[36] Tossup November 4, 2012
Sabato's Crystal Ball[37] Lean R (flip) November 5, 2012
NY Times[38] Lean D November 4, 2012
RCP[39] Tossup November 4, 2012
The Hill[40] Tossup November 4, 2012

Results

Kentucky's 6th congressional district, 2012[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Andy Barr 153,222 50.6
Democratic Ben Chandler (incumbent) 141,438 46.7
Independent Randolph Vance 8,340 2.7
Total votes 303,000 100.0
Republican gain from Democratic

References

  1. ^ "2012 Kentucky Election Calendar" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 15, 2010. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "2012 Primary and General Election Results". Kentucky State Board of Elections. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  3. ^ Brammer, Jack (February 10, 2012). "Beshear approves new congressional map that splits Jessamine". Lexington Herald-Leader. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  4. ^ Alessi, Ryan (December 29, 2011). "U.S. Rep. Whitfield to run again in 2012, responds to questions about donations and residency". Pure Politics. cn|2. Retrieved December 29, 2011.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Alessi, Ryan (February 12, 2012). "Analysis: New congressional map only slightly moves the political needle in the 6 districts". Pure Politics. cn|2. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  6. ^ a b Alessi, Ryan (August 22, 2011). "It's not too soon for 2014 and beyond for these potential Democratic candidates". Pure Politics. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "7 Republicans file to run for Davis' 4th District seat". The Courier-Journal. February 17, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  8. ^ a b AP primary results
  9. ^ Candidate fillings
  10. ^ Alessi, Ryan (September 5, 2011). "U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth to run for fourth term in 2012". Pure Politics. cn|2. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  11. ^ a b c Carroll, James R. (May 22, 2012). "Three U.S. House races in Kentucky will be reruns this fall". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  12. ^ Alessi, Ryan (October 6, 2011). "Republican Brooks Wicker to run for Kentucky's 3rd Congressional District". Pure Politics. cn|2. Retrieved October 23, 2011.
  13. ^ a b c Alessi, Ryan (December 20, 2011). "4th District Update: Moore announces; Sen. Stine, Rep. Koeing and Lance Lucas considering it". Pure Politics. cn|2. Retrieved December 22, 2011.
  14. ^ Toeplitz, Shira (December 19, 2011). "Hunter Bates Won't Run to Succeed Geoff Davis in Kentucky". Roll Call. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  15. ^ a b Alessi, Ryan (December 15, 2011). "Potential GOP 4th District candidates praise Geoff Davis as they mull running in '12". Pure Politics. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
  16. ^ Alessi, Ryan (January 2, 2012). "4th District Update: Ben Dusing out; Webb-Edgington hires Davis' spokesman as manager". Pure Politics. cn|2. Retrieved January 3, 2012.
  17. ^ a b c d Gerth, Joseph (December 16, 2011). "Candidates stampede to fill open 4th District congressional seat". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  18. ^ Alessi, Ryan (December 29, 2011). "N.Ky. Update: Koenig runs for re-election not Congress; Shawn Baker's 1st fundraiser for Senate". Pure Politics. cn|2. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  19. ^ Van Benschoten, Amanda (December 17, 2011). "Sell will not run for Congress in 2012". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  20. ^ a b c d Weber, Don (December 20, 2011). "Boone Judge-Exec Gary Moore tells fellow official he is in the 4th Congressional race". Pure Politics. cn|2. Retrieved December 21, 2011.
  21. ^ a b Toeplitz, Shira (December 15, 2011). "Former McConnell Staffer Considers Kentucky House Run". Roll Call. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
  22. ^ "Lewis Countian Thomas Massie Wins GOP Nomination in Ky. 4th District". WSAZ-TV. AP. May 22, 2012. Archived from the original on February 9, 2013. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  23. ^ a b c d Van Benschoten, Amanda (December 17, 2011). "NKY Dems: We'll field a candidate for Congress". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  24. ^ Weber, Don (December 22, 2011). "4th District Update: GOP's Ben Dusing preparing to run; Florence Mayor not running". Pure Politics. cn|2. Retrieved December 22, 2011.
  25. ^ "Official Results" (PDF). Kentucky Secretary of State. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
  26. ^ "Manchester Attorney Files to Challenge Congressman Hal Rogers". WFPL. February 1, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2012. [permanent dead link]
  27. ^ Adams, Steve (May 22, 2012). "Kentucky's primary election has low turnout". WOWK-TV. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  28. ^ "Andy Barr: Walking a fine line for Congress - State Government and Politics - Kentucky.com". Archived from the original on April 17, 2010.
  29. ^ Hohmann, James (June 9, 2011). "Barr launching a rematch with Chandler". Politico. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  30. ^ Carroll, James R. (February 7, 2012). "4 Kentucky congressmen are unopposed in primary". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  31. ^ "Blue Dog Membership". bluedogdems.ngpvanhost.com. Blue Dog Coalition. Archived from the original on October 28, 2012. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  32. ^ "2012 Frontline Democrats". actblue.com. DCCC. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  33. ^ "CANDIDATES". gopyoungguns.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  34. ^ "The Cook Political Report — Charts – 2012 House Competitive Races". Cookpolitical.com. November 5, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  35. ^ "House Ratings". Rothenbergpoliticalreport.com. November 2, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  36. ^ [1], as of November 4, 2012
  37. ^ Crystal Ball, as of November 5, 2012
  38. ^ House Race Ratings, The New York Times, as of November 4, 2012
  39. ^ [2], as of November 4, 2012
  40. ^ "House Ratings". The Hill. November 3, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2012.

External links

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2010 elections 		United States House elections in Kentucky
2012 		Succeeded by
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