I grew up in a rural corner of Southeastern Kentucky, just outside of Hazard. My mother worked as a union employee at Hazard Appalachian Regional Hospital, and my daddy was a coal miner until his health forced him onto Social Security Disability when I was just five. With four older sisters and a family income of around $30,000 a year, we made do the way so many Kentucky families do, stretching every dollar.
We heated our home with coal, relied on well water, and I can still remember the sulfur stains on my teeth. Our house was passed down through family, a reminder of the roots that held us together even when times were tough. I didn’t realize then that I was living in poverty, but I knew what it meant to work hard, to make sacrifices, and to look out for each other. That’s why I’ve never been afraid to stand up for our people, because I am one of our people.
Those early experiences shaped the way I see Kentucky’s future. I know firsthand what it’s like when families work hard yet still struggle to make ends meet, when healthcare feels out of reach, and when rural communities are left out of the conversation.
“That’s why I’m running, not to speak for rural Kentuckians, but to make sure our voices are finally heard in Frankfort.”
-Stella Pollard KY Senate District 20 Candidate
The Overlooked Reality For too long, politicians have treated rural Kentucky like an afterthought. We know the struggles: unreliable internet, crumbling roads, schools fighting to do more with less, and families who can’t afford to see a doctor. These are not abstract issues. They’re everyday challenges for people across Carroll, Owen, Gallatin, Franklin, Boone, and Kenton counties.
What I’m Hearing When I sit on front porches, walk county fairs, or talk with folks at events, the message is always the same. We want opportunity without having to leave our hometowns. People are tired of politicians who show up for photo ops and disappear when it’s time to actually deliver. We are tired of politicans who do not have the guts to show up for town hall meetings. Rural Kentuckians are the voice of this district- not a politician.
My Vision I believe rural Kentucky deserves more than hand-me-down promises. We deserve strong schools, good-paying jobs that keep our families here at home, access to reliable healthcare, and investments in infrastructure that connect us to the rest of the state. We deserve leaders who know what it means to live here, work here, and raise a family here.
Why I’m Different I don’t come from privilege or wealth. I come from the same hard-working roots as the people I hope to represent. I know what it means to stretch a paycheck, to fight for healthcare, and to wonder if anyone in power is listening. I’m not afraid to talk about rural Kentucky’s needs, because they’re my needs too.
Join Me This campaign isn’t about me. It’s about us. It’s about making sure that every rural community has a seat at the table in Frankfort. That’s why I’m hosting Front Porch Fridays and One-Minute Message Mondays on social media, so you can hear directly from me and share your stories. Together, we can make sure rural Kentucky isn’t ignored any longer.
I would love to meet with you in person as well. If you would like to have me attend an event, please email me! Stella@StellaRPollard.com
I’m working hard to get the word out about our campaign, but I can’t do it alone. Every dollar helps us print flyers, reach voters online, and keep traveling across our district to meet people where they are. If you’re able, even $5 makes a real difference in helping us share our message. I’d be truly grateful for your support. 🩵Stella Pollard https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stella-pollard-1
Stella for KY 