Estill County saw a fresh face on the political stage on Saturday when 16‑year‑old Lincoln Wilburn, a member of the Y Club’s government program, stepped up as moderator for the Kentucky 6th Congressional District debate. The event, held in Estill County, gave local high‑school students a chance to shape the conversation and ensure that the perspectives of younger residents were heard.
Students set the agenda
Wilburn and his fellow Y Club members spent months crafting questions and reaching out to the candidates. “There’s a little nervousness, but I feel like if you’re not nervous, you’re not excited,” Wilburn said after the debate. He added, “We have our opinions, and we have our beliefs, and we just want older people and politicians to realize that the youth do matter too.”
Candidate priorities on display
The debate featured Republican candidates Zach Dembo and Ralph Alvarado, who outlined contrasting priorities for the district. Dembo emphasized expanding Medicaid, protecting the American Dream, and keeping data‑center operations under local control. Alvarado focused on lowering taxes and curbing what he described as government abuse.
Education also sparked a lively exchange. Dembo warned, “In the richest country in the world, if we are not valuing education these students I still remember today, they are going to fall through the cracks.” Alvarado countered that funding for teacher pay and school resources is a state matter, not a federal one, saying, “This is more of a state issue, not a federal issue. When it comes to funding, teacher pay, it goes to the state, not federal.”
Controversial topics surface
The candidates also sparred over recent headlines involving the Jeffrey Epstein files and presidential pardons. Dembo called for the release of the Epstein files, stating, “The victims of Jeffrey Epstein deserve justice and their files need to be released.” Alvarado recalled denouncing the pardons at the time, adding, “We called for an FBI investigation. I thought they were a complete disgrace, is what they were.”
Additional voices
A U.S. Senate debate was slated to accompany the event, with former Representative Charles Booker appearing in person and Senator Bill Barr joining virtually. Time constraints meant only Booker’s remarks were heard by the audience.
Wilburn’s future ambitions
Beyond the debate, Wilburn sees this experience as a stepping stone toward a career in public service. “I have wanted to go into politics for a really long time, and I hope that is where my future takes me,” he said.
Why this matters for Estill County
The debate underscores a growing trend of youth involvement in local politics, a development that aligns with the community’s emphasis on family values, faith, and individual liberty. By giving young Kentuckians a platform, Estill County demonstrates that civic engagement is not limited by age.
Residents who missed the live event can view a recording on the county’s official website, and the Y Club plans to host additional forums on issues such as local economic development and public safety later this year.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
