John “Drew” Williams

Background

Williams is a construction worker and small-business owner who says he has spent about 20 years building boat docks in the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley area; he is also a Murray State University history graduate. A lifelong Marshall County resident, he is the Democratic nominee for Kentucky’s 1st Congressional District in 2026.

Sources: Smarter.Vote candidate profile, Murray State News candidate questionnaire, WKMS candidate coverage

What the candidate has said

Statements are attributed to the linked sources.

• Accountability

  Williams’s campaign highlights congressional accountability and integrity, workplace dignity and fair compensation, and infrastructure modernization.

  Williams for KY

• Affordability and AI

  Williams said he supports affordability measures for working families, a strong moratorium on data centers while regulations are developed, and worker- and human-centered standards for AI.

  WKMS, 2026 Kentucky 1st Congressional District general election

• Rural investment

  Williams said he would focus on lowering everyday costs, strengthening rural health care, investing in infrastructure, supporting farmers and small businesses, and protecting Social Security and Medicare.

  Murray State News, U.S. Senate and House candidate questionnaire