James Comer

In the 2024 House race for KY-1, James R. Comer (R) defeated Erin Marshall (D) 74.7% to 25.3%. James R. Comer received 252,729 votes compared to 85,524 for Erin Marshall, a dominant 49.4-point margin reflecting a safely partisan district.

As the incumbent, James R. Comer benefited from name recognition, established constituent services, and the roughly 2-3 point advantage that sitting members typically enjoy. The 2024 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket. The wide margin suggests this district is firmly in the Republican column for the foreseeable future.

In the 2022 House race for KY-1, James R. Comer (R) defeated Jimmy C. Ausbrooks (D) 74.9% to 25.1%. James R. Comer received 184,157 votes compared to 61,701 for Jimmy C. Ausbrooks, a dominant 49.8-point margin reflecting a safely partisan district.

As the incumbent, James R. Comer benefited from name recognition, established constituent services, and the roughly 2-3 point advantage that sitting members typically enjoy. As a Republican, James R. Comer benefited from the historical midterm penalty against the president's party — with a Democrat in the White House, the opposition typically gains seats. The wide margin suggests this district is firmly in the Republican column for the foreseeable future.

In the 2020 House race for KY-1, James R. Comer (R) defeated James Rhodes (D) 75.0% to 25.0%. James R. Comer received 246,329 votes compared to 82,141 for James Rhodes, a dominant 50.0-point margin reflecting a safely partisan district.

This was an open-seat race. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. The 2020 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket. The wide margin suggests this district is firmly in the Republican column for the foreseeable future.

In the 2018 House race for KY-01, James R. Comer (R) defeated Paul Walker (D) 68.6% to 31.4%. James R. Comer received 172,167 votes compared to 78,849 for Paul Walker, a dominant 37.2-point margin reflecting a safely partisan district.

As the incumbent, James R. Comer benefited from name recognition, established constituent services, and the roughly 2-3 point advantage that sitting members typically enjoy. As a Republican, James R. Comer won despite the historical midterm penalty against the president's party (Republican Trump was in office).

In the 2016 House race for KY-01, James R. Comer (R) defeated Samuel L. Gaskins (D) 72.6% to 27.3%. James R. Comer received 216,959 votes compared to 81,710 for Samuel L. Gaskins, a dominant 45.2-point margin reflecting a safely partisan district.

This was an open-seat race with no incumbent running — Ed Whitfield (R) previously held the seat. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. The 2016 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket.