Results of the 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Kentucky by district:[1] Ed Whitfield Republican James Comer Republican Incumbent Republican Ed Whitfield, who had represented the district since 1995, did not run for re-election for a 12th term.

Other potential Republican candidates included former Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky nominee Robbie Rudolph, businessman Todd P'Pool, George W. Bush administration official J. Scott Jennings, and Whitfield's chief of staff Cory Hicks.

[5] State Senator Max Wise also was considered a potential candidate, but he endorsed Comer.

[6] In the May 17 primary, Comer won with 61% of the vote and went on to face Democrat Sam Gaskins in the general election.

Matt Jones, host and founder of Kentucky Sports Radio, considered challenging Representative Barr, but announced on November 23, 2015, that he would not do so.

Nancy Jo Kemper, a graduate of Yale Divinity School and former executive director of the Kentucky Council of Churches, announced she would run for the Democratic nomination on January 21, 2016.

Geoff Young, candidate for governor in Kentucky in 2014, and Michael Coblenz, a candidate for Kentucky state house in 2010 competed with Kemper for the chance to challenge Barr in the general election.