Eastern Kentucky has some of the hardest-working people in America, but too many are forced to leave home to find opportunity. For too long, Washington has ignored rural communities while jobs, industries, and hope have slowly faded. We need leadership that understands what it means to build from the ground up, not more empty promises.

I believe in empowering local businesses, attracting new industries, and creating an environment where workers can earn a fair wage without leaving their hometowns. Through smart investment in infrastructure, energy production, and vocational training, we can rebuild our local economy and strengthen Kentucky’s role in America’s future.

For too long, the infrastructure of Eastern Kentucky has been neglected; our roads, bridges, and water systems are aging, and our broadband access still lags behind the rest of the country. These aren’t just inconveniences; they’re barriers to economic growth, public safety, and opportunity.

Modernizing our infrastructure means good-paying jobs, stronger communities, and safer roads for our families. It’s time to reinvest in rural Kentucky by improving highways, expanding high-speed internet, and upgrading utilities to meet 21st-century needs.

Every Kentuckian deserves reliable roads to work, clean water at home, and the digital access needed to compete in today’s economy. Rebuilding our infrastructure isn’t just about construction; it’s about laying the foundation for a stronger future.

Kentucky has long been an energy powerhouse, from coal to natural gas, but Washington’s failed policies have crippled our industries, driven up costs, and left hardworking Kentuckians behind. We can’t afford to depend on foreign nations for the resources that power our homes and businesses.

I believe in an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that strengthens Kentucky’s role in fueling America’s future. That means protecting our coal and natural gas jobs, investing in cleaner and more efficient technologies, and ensuring that energy workers are part of the solution, not casualties of government overreach.

Energy independence is national security. When we produce energy here at home, we create jobs, lower costs, and keep America safe and strong. It’s time to unleash Kentucky’s full potential and restore our place as a leader in America’s energy future

The drug epidemic has torn through Eastern Kentucky, leaving families broken and communities struggling. Addiction doesn’t just destroy lives; it destroys opportunity, hope, and stability. Too often, government programs focus on punishment instead of recovery, leaving people trapped in a cycle they can’t escape.

We need to treat addiction as both a health and community issue, expanding access to treatment, job training, and mental health support so people can rebuild their lives. At the same time, we must hold dealers and traffickers accountable with stronger enforcement and tougher penalties.

Homelessness often goes hand-in-hand with addiction. No one should be left on the streets without a path forward. By investing in recovery programs, transitional housing, and job placement initiatives, we can help our neighbors get clean, find stability, and return to productive lives.