Progressive Democrat and former Kentucky State Representative. Born October 20, 1984, in Louisville's West End (one of state's poorest zip codes). Lifelong Louisville resident. State House representative for 43rd District (2019-2021), Kentucky's youngest Black state lawmaker at the time. Appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear to lead Governor's Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and Community Involvement (January 2023-September 2025). Type 1 diabetic who rationed insulin due to inability to afford medication. Experienced homelessness. Founded Hood to the Holler grassroots organization after 2020 Senate primary loss to mobilize voters across racial, geographic, and class lines.
Lifetime resident of Louisville's West End, one of state's poorest zip codes. Experienced poverty, homelessness, and insulin rationing as Type 1 diabetic. Mother and father both had difficult circumstances. Educational path and professional growth led to state House service at age 34 (2019). Became youngest Black state lawmaker while serving. Lost 2020 Senate Democratic primary to Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath (who then lost general to McConnell). Won 2022 Democratic Senate primary as first Black major party nominee for U.S. Senate in Kentucky history, but lost to Republican Sen. Rand Paul. Appointed to Beshear's faith-based office where he resigned September 2025 to focus on 2026 Senate campaign. Married to Tanesha Booker; has three daughters.
Progressive pro-labor stance; fights for working people's economic dignity
Supports 40x40x45 plan, wealth taxes, union expansion, living wages. Criticizes current system where full-time work doesn't guarantee economic survival.
Voting History: As state representative, focused on economic justice; Beshear appointee to faith-based office
Medicare for All, drug price control
Personal diabetes experience informs advocacy. Supports repeal of Hyde amendment; ensures abortion and contraceptive coverage as health coverage.
Voting History: House record and advocacy on healthcare justice
Humane immigration system; ICE abolition
SALT Plan addresses immigration enforcement abuses; supports community safety over mass deportation.
Voting History: Activist on criminal justice and immigration issues
Unrestricted abortion access; views abortion as healthcare
Strong pro-choice stance; differs fundamentally from all Republican candidates on abortion.
Voting History: State house support for reproductive rights
State House representative 2019-2021 as youngest Black lawmaker. Record focused on economic justice, racial equity, criminal justice reform. Post-legislative service in faith-based office under Democratic governor.
Passionate, aspirational tone emphasizing possibility and transformation. Focuses on shared struggles across racial and geographic divides. More ideological/visionary than purely political compared to some opponents.
Campaign launch video: 'The reign of Mitch McConnell is over. The future of Kentucky is ours.'
December 2025 campaign launch announcement
View post →Booker is too progressive for general election viability in Republican Kentucky
2020 primary debate and messaging