LEXINGTON, Ky. — Former Lexington Mayor Jim Gray endorsed Zach Dembo for Kentucky's 6th congressional district, saying the candidate represents Democrats' best chance to flip the Republican-held seat blue in November.

"I'm endorsing Zach because Central Kentuckians deserve a representative who will intentionally focus on our needs — and can build the coalition to win in November," Gray said in a statement released Wednesday.

Gray served as Kentucky's transportation secretary under Governor Andy Beshear from 2019 to 2026 and was previously Lexington's mayor from 2011 to 2019. He ran for the U.S. House in 2017 and was defeated in the May 22, 2018 Democratic primary by Amy McGrath. Gray also ran for the U.S. Senate in 2016 against Rand Paul and lost in the general election.

The endorsement carries significant weight in Central Kentucky Democratic circles. Gray cited his work with Dembo in the Beshear administration, describing the candidate as having "a public servant's heart" and being "genuine, thoughtful, responsible."

Dembo's campaign said the candidate has received other endorsements and has raised more money than competing candidates in the race. Dembo, David Kloiber, Erin Petrey and Cherlynn Stevenson competed in a Democratic debate for the 6th District seat in March.

The 6th district, located in central Kentucky and including Lexington and Richmond, is currently held by Republican Andy Barr, who was re-elected with 62.7% of the vote in 2022. Barr announced in April 2025 that he would run for U.S. Senate. The Democratic primary will be held on May 19, 2026.

In response to the endorsement, Dembo called Gray "one of the finest public servants we've known in Central Kentucky." Dembo said he had the opportunity to work with Gray during Governor Andy Beshear's administration.