Freshman Republican representative faces tough road to re-election in key 38th House District

Kentucky Democrats’ defensive strategy to keep control of the state House has started with going on offense against perceived vulnerable Republican incumbents.

And because Rep. Mike Nemes, a Louisville Republican finishing his first term, represents a normally reliably Democratic district, he’s at the top of the list.

Nemes out-worked Democratic incumbent Tim Firkins in the district made up of blue-collar neighborhoods between downtown Louisville and the Gene Snyder Expressway.

Democrats are betting heavily that first time candidate Denny Butler, a retired police sergeant and the son of the late former state Rep. Denver Butler, can deliver despite the fierce campaigning and moderate stances of Nemes.

Here’s a look at those candidates: