Louisville Congressman John Yarmuth announced that he will seek reelection in 2016 for a sixth term.
“The primary reason that I’ve decided to run for reelection is that we are engaged in a very contentious battle for the hearts and minds of the American people as to what values are going to be represented by their government,” Yarmuth said. “I think I am a strong voice for progressive positions. I’m the only progressive voice for progressive issues in the commonwealth of Kentucky in the federal delegation, and I think it is very important that I continue to speak up for progressive values for working families and for the kind of future for this district, this commonwealth and the country, that will promote opportunity for all.”
After entering Congress in 2007 after defeating U.S. Representative Anne Northup in a close election, Yarmuth, 67, has emerged as a spokesman for House Democrats on issues such as the Affordable Care Act. With Maryland Democratic Congressman Chris Van Hollen running for U.S. Senate in 2016, Yarmuth stands next in line for a Ranking Member position on the House Budget Committee.
“I’ve often — only half-kidding — said that Congress is not really a legislative body right now, it’s more of a debating society,” Yarmuth said. “But it is an important debate, and I want to continue having a significant voice in that debate.”
Serving in Congress with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) and presidential hopeful Rand Paul (R), Yarmuth is the only non-Republican House Representative from the state.
Photo courtesy of Ben Norton.
