Nicole Lee Ethington
Nicole Lee Ethington (Republican Party) (also known as Niki) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Kentucky's 4th Congressional District. She declared candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled on May 19, 2026.[source]
Ethington completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Nicole Lee Ethington was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Ethington earned a bachelor's degree from Chamberlain University in 2021. Her career experience includes working as a registered nurse.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Kentucky's 4th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The primary will occur on May 19, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4
Jesse Brewer, Monica Dean, and Elizabeth Mason-Hill are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4 on May 19, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Jesse Brewer  | |
 | Monica Dean | |
| Elizabeth Mason-Hill | ||
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4
Incumbent Thomas Massie and Nicole Lee Ethington are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4 on May 19, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Thomas Massie | |
 | Nicole Lee Ethington | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Nicole Lee Ethington completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ethington's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Frustrated with out-of-touch politicians, Niki is stepping up to fight for Kentucky values in Washington. She is running for U.S. Congress (KY-4) as a Republican to put America First, secure the border, protect parental rights, and defend Kentucky jobs from government overreach. Her campaign motto is “Kentucky First. America Always.”
From saving lives to saving Kentucky, Niki is ready to take her bold, conservative leadership to Washington and stand with President Trump to restore American greatness- I will fight to put Kentucky families, workers, and small businesses first—not the Washington establishment. I will stand up against government overreach, defend Kentucky jobs, and ensure our economy thrives by promoting energy independence, lowering taxes, and supporting local industries.
- America has a border crisis that threatens our national security, economy, and families. I will fight to finish the wall, stop illegal immigration, and end taxpayer-funded benefits for non-citizens. Protecting our communities starts with enforcing the law and standing up for the safety of American families.
- I will protect parental rights, fight for the unborn, and defend women and girls in sports. Our constitutional rights—including free speech, gun rights, and religious liberty—are under attack, and I will never back down in defending faith, family, and freedom in Kentucky’s 4th District.
• Finish the wall and strengthen border security.
• End taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants.
• Support legal immigration that prioritizes American workers and national security.
2. Protecting Kentucky Jobs & Fighting Government Overreach
• Lower taxes and cut burdensome regulations on small businesses.
• Support Kentucky’s energy industry, including coal and natural gas.
• Oppose federal policies that kill jobs and hurt working families.
3. Defending Family, Faith, and Freedom
• Protect parental rights in education and healthcare.
• Defend the unborn and promote pro-life policies.
Lincoln’s ability to balance compassion with firmness, his dedication to principles of freedom, and his efforts to keep the nation united during a time of deep division are lessons that resonate deeply with me. His example shows the importance of leading with integrity and staying true to one’s core values, even when faced with enormous challenges.
• Reagan’s famous speech, delivered in 1964, is a call to action for those who believe in freedom, personal responsibility, and a strong America. It reflects Reagan’s vision for defending American values and his fight against big government. His principles of patriotism, personal liberty, and American exceptionalism are essential to conservative thought.
• Elected officials must be honest, transparent, and accountable to the people—not the political establishment.
• I will fight corruption and government waste to ensure taxpayers’ money is spent wisely.
2. Strong Leadership & Courage
• Kentucky needs a leader who won’t back down from tough fights, whether it’s securing the border, protecting our rights, or standing up to Washington bureaucrats.
• I will stand with President Trump to put America First and oppose weak politicians who sell out our country.
3. Commitment to Conservative Values
• Family, faith, and freedom are the foundation of America.
• I will protect parental rights, defend life, and stand for traditional values.
4. Service & Dedication to the People
• A true leader is a public servant, not a career politician.
• As a nurse, I’ve spent my life serving others, and I will bring that same dedication to fighting for Kentucky’s 4th District.
5. Patriotism & Love for America
• We need leaders who put America first—not global elites, special interests, or foreign countries.
1. Strong Work Ethic
• Having worked in various fields, from healthcare to farming, I understand the importance of hard work and dedication. I am committed to giving 100% in everything I do, and I will apply that same determination to serving my constituents.
2. Compassion and Empathy
• A Congresswoman must listen to, understand, and represent the concerns and needs of the people in their district.
• This involves regular communication, addressing local issues like infrastructure, healthcare, jobs, and education.
2. Upholding the Constitution & Protecting American Values
• It’s critical to defend the Constitution, ensuring that laws passed in Washington align with the principles of freedom, liberty, and limited government.
• As a strong advocate for traditional values, I will fight for individual rights, religious freedoms, and family values that reflect the heart of our country.
3. Legislative Leadership & Policy Making
• A Representative’s duty is to propose, debate, and vote on laws that strengthen our economy, secure our borders, and protect American citizens.
• I will work to promote pro-business policies, lower taxes, and ensure national security through effective defense and immigration policies.
4. Fiscal Responsibility & Government Accountability
• Elected officials are entrusted with taxpayer dollars and must ensure government spending is efficient and focused on what benefits the American people.
• I will oppose wasteful spending and fight to reduce the size and scope of government.
5. Providing Oversight & Holding the Government Accountable
• As a member of Congress, it is essential to hold federal agencies accountable and ensure that the executive branch, courts, and other government bodies are not exceeding their authority.
• This includes fighting corruption, ensuring election integrity, and working to preserve American sovereignty.
6. Being a Strong Voice for National Security & Foreign Policy
1. Empowering Families and Strengthening Communities
• I want to be remembered for putting families first, working tirelessly to create policies that support economic growth, job opportunities, and affordable healthcare. I want to leave behind a district where families feel empowered, small businesses thrive, and people have access to the resources they need to succeed.
2. Upholding American Values and Freedom
• I hope to be remembered for standing strong for freedom and individual rights. This includes advocating for lower taxes, limited government, and the protection of religious freedoms. I want my legacy to reflect a commitment to protecting the values that make this country great—values that allow every individual to pursue their own dreams and succeed on their own terms.
3. Championing Practical Solutions
• I believe in the power of common-sense solutions to everyday problems. My goal is to leave behind a legacy of pragmatic policies that actually work for families, farmers, and small businesses. Whether it’s improving infrastructure, enhancing education, or securing fair trade policies, I want my time in office to be defined by results, not rhetoric.
4. Restoring Trust in Government
• I want to leave a legacy of accountability in public service, where I am remembered for being transparent, honest, and accessible to my constituents. I hope to rebuild trust between the people and their government by always putting the people’s needs first and rejecting the political establishment that so often overlooks them.
5. Leading with Integrity and Compassion
The House of Representatives is designed to be the most directly accountable to the people. Members are elected every two years, making them more responsive to the needs and concerns of their constituents.
1. Fresh Perspectives and New Ideas
• Someone without prior political experience often brings a fresh perspective to Washington. They are less likely to be bogged down by bureaucratic norms or entrenched political strategies. This allows them to approach issues with a problem-solving mindset and new ideas that can disrupt the status quo for the betterment of the country.
2. A Strong Commitment to Constituents
Border Security & Immigration Reform
• The southern border crisis is one of the most urgent challenges. An insecure border leads to the flow of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and the spread of drugs.
• We need to complete the border wall, increase border security, and enforce immigration laws while ensuring that immigration is legal and controlled to protect American jobs and national security.
• Additionally, a reform of the immigration system is needed to ensure that we welcome immigrants who will contribute to our economy and society, while preventing illegal entry.
Health Care Reform & Access
• The healthcare system in the U.S. continues to be a challenge, with many Americans facing high costs, limited access to care, and inefficient systems. We must focus on affordable healthcare options, while reducing government interference in the healthcare market.
• We also need to address the growing crisis of mental health and addiction and improve access to mental health services across the country.
Protecting Constitutional Rights & Freedom
• The erosion of individual rights in the face of government overreach poses a serious threat to freedom and liberty. Defending the Second Amendment, freedom of speech, and religious liberties will be essential in preserving the American way of life.
Benefits of a Two-Year Term
1. Responsiveness to Constituents
• The two-year term ensures that Representatives remain closely connected to their districts and are accountable to their voters. It encourages them to be more in touch with the concerns and needs of their constituents, since they must face re-election regularly. This constant accountability helps ensure that the people’s voices are heard and represented in Washington.
2. Fosters Action and Progress
• With such a short term, Representatives are motivated to act quickly on their agenda, pushing legislation through and making progress on key issues within their term. The fast-paced nature of the role can help avoid stagnation and ensure that lawmakers are always focused on delivering results for the American people.
3. Prevents Career Politicians
1. Promoting Fresh Ideas & Accountability
• Term limits prevent career politicians from becoming entrenched in Washington, ensuring that new voices with fresh perspectives regularly have the opportunity to serve. This is essential to prevent the corruption of power and the entrenched interests that often come with long-term incumbency.
• When members of Congress are not guaranteed a lifetime in office, they are more likely to focus on serving the people rather than worrying about reelection or building a political dynasty.
2. Reducing the Influence of Special Interests
• Long-serving politicians often become too comfortable with special interest groups and lobbyists, which can result in decisions that prioritize corporate or party interests over the needs of the people.
• Term limits ensure that politicians do not have an extended period to build these relationships and rely on outside influence to maintain power, helping to keep them more accountable to their voters.
3. Empowering the Voters
• Term limits would give voters the power to continually elect fresh leaders, rather than being forced to choose between long-standing incumbents with entrenched power.
Reagan’s leadership was characterized by:
1. Strong Principles and Values
• Reagan was unwavering in his commitment to conservative principles, especially when it came to promoting individual freedom, economic opportunity, and national security. His clear, principled stance on issues helped him maintain a consistent, trustworthy leadership style.
Why don’t skeletons fight each other?
In some cases, compromise is the only way to move forward on key policies that help our nation. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the core values of the Constitution and American ideals are maintained in any agreement.
She told me how she was always worried about healthcare costs for herself and her family. She worked hard, but the financial strain was overwhelming, and at times, she felt like she was just staying afloat rather than moving forward. She also expressed concerns about the direction our country was heading and how she felt that her hard work was often taken for granted by out-of-touch politicians in Washington.
This story stuck with me because it is reflective of what so many hardworking families face in Kentucky and across America. People like her are the backbone of this country—putting in long hours, making personal sacrifices, and doing their best to provide for their loved ones. Yet, many find themselves stuck in a system that doesn’t always support their needs or recognize their efforts.
1. Hold the Executive Branch Accountable
• The House should use its investigative powers to ensure that the executive branch is operating in accordance with the law and in the best interest of the American people. This includes investigating potential abuses of power, corruption, or mismanagement within federal agencies or departments. When elected, I would advocate for vigorous oversight of areas such as the Department of Justice, immigration, national security, and the Department of Health and Human Services, where transparency and accountability are paramount.
• Investigations can help expose governmental failures and make sure that taxpayer money is being spent efficiently and appropriately.
2. Investigate Wasteful Government Spending
• One of the key duties of Congress is to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. The House should use its investigative powers to uncover wasteful spending, fraud, or misallocation of resources. This could include investigating the spending practices of federal programs or scrutinizing military contracts and social welfare programs to ensure they are being used effectively and that resources are going to where they are most needed.
• Focusing on budgetary oversight can help cut unnecessary expenses and direct funds toward more productive purposes, such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare for families in Kentucky.
3. Protect the Integrity of Elections
1. Committee on Armed Services
• As we face growing global threats, including from China, Russia, and Iran, I am deeply committed to strengthening our national defense and military readiness. Serving on this committee would allow me to advocate for a stronger military, ensure that our troops are properly equipped and supported, and defend America’s interests abroad.
• Additionally, it would provide an opportunity to address veterans’ issues, ensuring our veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve.
2. Committee on Appropriations
• This committee plays a pivotal role in government spending decisions. I am committed to ensuring that taxpayer money is spent efficiently and responsibly. Serving on the Appropriations Committee would allow me to directly influence the allocation of resources, making sure we prioritize funding for vital needs like defense, infrastructure, healthcare, and education, while also cutting out wasteful spending and reducing the national debt.
• I am particularly interested in fighting for fiscal responsibility and ensuring that the government is accountable to the people.
3. Committee on Judiciary
• As someone who is passionate about protecting the Constitution, serving on the Judiciary Committee would provide an opportunity to influence key legal issues, including defending individual rights, protecting the Second Amendment, ensuring election integrity, and tackling immigration reform.
• Additionally, it would give me the platform to advocate for justice reform and ensure the legal system serves the needs of every American citizen.
4. Committee on Homeland Security
1. Financial Transparency
• Taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going. Government spending must be transparent, and public funds should be used efficiently to benefit American citizens, not squandered on wasteful projects or political agendas.
• I will fight for clear and accessible reports on government spending, ensuring taxpayers can easily track how their money is being used.
• There should be no hidden deals or backdoor spending. Federal budgets and appropriations must be fully transparent, and government agencies should be required to provide detailed accounting for their expenditures.
2. Government Accountability
• Accountability is a cornerstone of democracy. Elected officials must answer to the people, not to special interest groups or partisan elites.
• I will hold federal agencies accountable by ensuring that there are robust oversight mechanisms in place, including regular audits and investigations of government programs.
• I will advocate for stronger protections against government waste and fraud and push for laws that hold public officials accountable for any misuse of power, including corruption and abuse of office.
3. Fighting Wasteful Spending
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Campaign finance summary
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See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 2, 2025
