Every race in Kentucky is a math problem. I read it straight.
The read · split-ticket
A state that elected a Democratic governor handed Donald Trump a thirty-point landslide the next November. Kentuckians split their ticket — and that gap is the most important, and most misread, number in the state.
The read · money in politics
On June 30 the Supreme Court let parties spend unlimited money in coordination with their candidates. The sleeper consequence isn't in Washington. It's that a county party can now run an uncapped coordinated campaign — and this is the year Louisville should.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 · Lisa Norkus
2026 · KY-06
Andy Barr left for the Senate, the 6th is open, and Zach Dembo is the Democrat. "Barr won by 26" hides the real story — which is sixteen different stories, and they don't behave alike.
Thursday, July 9, 2026 · Lisa Norkus
Primary recap
The headline was the Senate race. The lesson was the turnout gap. And the most important numbers are the ones that weren't on the ballot in May.
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 · Lisa Norkus
2026 · U.S. Senate
Three Kentucky Democrats have run for Senate in the last decade and lost. All three ran at an incumbent. This one doesn't — and that, plus a midterm with Trump off the ballot, is the whole case for paying attention.
Thursday, July 2, 2026 · Lisa Norkus
Field notes
When they get confused for each other, both do worse. When they each do their own job, a coordinated campaign actually works.
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 · Lisa Norkus
The take
The most expensive mistake in Kentucky politics isn't a bad ad. It's a good number nobody acted on.
Thursday, June 25, 2026 · Lisa Norkus
2026 primary · U.S. Senate
Barr swept the state red. Booker swept Louisville. The mountains broke for McGrath.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 · Lisa Norkus
Founder's note
Why I started The 120 — and what you can expect to find here.
Thursday, June 18, 2026 · Lisa Norkus