PARIS, KY. – Amy McGrath visited Boyd, Greenup, and Mason Counties on Tuesday to meet voters and discuss the most pressing issues affecting the Appalachian region.
During her tour, Amy McGrath spoke with working families and listened to their stories about rural healthcare shortages, slow economic growth, and rising costs in their communities.
“It is always such an honor to be welcomed into a community to gain a better understanding of the issues that affect other Kentucky families like mine. Speaking with each group over the course of the day only makes me more determined and ready to represent them on a larger scale in Washington,” McGrath said.
McGrath started her visits in Boyd County, where she met with the local building trades union. They discussed issues facing the workforce, such as shortages of skilled workers, workplace safety, and legislative threats. These challenges impact the strength and stability of union jobs across Kentucky.
Later, visiting the Boyd County Preschool, McGrath heard from staff and teachers about increasing educator shortages, funding gaps, and limited access to quality Pre-K opportunities for their children in the area. According to the Kentucky Pre-K for All Program F&Q page, fewer than 50% of Kentucky children were deemed “ready” for kindergarten before statewide pre-K expansion efforts, leading to later educational struggles for students.
McGrath also hosted a meet-and-greet, where local supporters joined her to discuss her reasons for running and share ideas for building a stronger, more sustainable future for Kentucky. She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting overlooked communities and stressed the importance of meeting people where they are.
“Amy has a tremendous grasp of issues that are important to Kentucky, and she will be a great voice for everyone, Democrats and Republicans. The issues that are important to us are pretty non-partisan: education, healthcare, and safe housing. She will be a great voice and advocate for Kentucky. She is on target, and she has a great heart,” said Ann Perkins, Executive Director of the Safe Harbor domestic violence shelter.
Afterward, McGrath went to the Maysville Rotary Clubhouse to meet with Mason County residents. They discussed how to balance economic development with rural identity as the area considers a proposal for a large data center.
Attendees also discussed the fear surrounding the disappearance of healthcare in rural Kentucky. As Medicaid cuts and pressure on local clinics and hospitals continue to grow, at-risk citizens such as seniors and those with chronic illnesses expressed how decisions made in Washington directly affect their day-to-day lives.
“Eastern and Northern Kentucky families deserve leadership that shows up, listens, and fights for them,” said McGrath. “Healthcare should be affordable and accessible, working families need relief from rising everyday costs, and our communities deserve access and support to expand their economic development.”
Across all three counties, the message was the same: families need good jobs that support them, affordable healthcare, relief from rising costs, and leadership that listens to them and not to special interests.
McGrath is a Democratic candidate for Kentucky’s open U.S. Senate seat. The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Voters can find information on polling locations, hours, and registration status through the Kentucky Voter Information Center.
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