Columnist: Kentucky Races Hinge on Trump, Medicaid Cuts Backlash
In a Northern Kentucky Tribune/Kentucky Lantern column, veteran political writer Al Cross argues that Kentucky's midterm elections will gauge Donald Trump's declining popularity, even in a state he won by 30 points. Cross highlights the 6th District congressional race and the 5th District race, where Democratic challenger Ned Pillersdorf argues no district will be "hurt more" by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's Medicaid and program cuts set to take effect after the election. The piece also cites an AI-generated ad attacking Senate candidate Andy Barr over "Medicare and Medicaid cuts" and corporate tax breaks. The column frames these races as early signals of a potential "blue wave" tied to voter anger over federal policy, including health program cuts.