Senator Karen Berg ** represents **Kentucky's 26th District in the Kentucky State Senate, serving since her election in a special election on June 23, 2020, after defeating Republican Bill Ferko and succeeding Ernie Harris, who resigned earlier that year. This marked the first Democratic win in the district in 25 years. Born December 30, 1961, in Louisville, Kentucky, she is a diagnostic radiologist with over 30 years of experience and the only Jewish member of the Kentucky State Senate. Notable achievements include the Legislative Champion Award from the KY Youth Law Project , Ottenheimer Award from the Jewish Community of Louisville , Legislator of the Year from the National Human Rights Campaign , and Champion for Children Award from KY Youth Advocates . She supports reinstating Kentucky's health insurance exchange and serves on the Kentucky Antisemitism Task Force, and is an Emerge Kentucky alumna.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Central High School ; B.A. in Political Science , University of Kentucky ; M.D., University of Louisville School of Medicine .
• Professional Background: Diagnostic radiologist and assistant professor in the Department of Radiology at the University of Louisville; semi-retired from medical practice in 2017 to focus on politics.
• Political Experience: Ran unsuccessfully for Senate District 26 in 2018 against incumbent Ernie Harris; elected in 2020 special election; re-elected in subsequent cycles, including candidacy in the 2026 primary; serves on various Senate committees and caucuses from Louisville.