Somerset doctor says he plans to challenge Rogers next year

May 28, 2021

Steve Rogers,

SOMERSET, Ky. (WTVQ) – Pulaski County doctor says he plans to challenge 83-year-old veteran congressman Hal Rogers in next year’s Republican primary for Rogers’ 5th District seat.

Somerset physician Dr. Richard Van Dam, the medical director at Oakwood, tells the Commonwealth-Journal newspaper he plans to challenge Rogers, who has held the seat representing eastern and southern Kentucky for more than four decades.

“I certainly would have big shoes to fill,” Van Dam told the newspaper. “Congressman Rogers is a giant — he’s been doing it for over 40 years and he’s brought so much to the 5th District and to this community.

“I would love for Congressman Rogers to personally mentor me so the baton can be passed without losing any traction,” Van Dam added.

Rogers told the Commonwealth Journal he intends to seek a 22nd term.

The Commonwealth-Journal said the 42-year-old Van Dam grew up in Michigan, the son of two school teachers. He initially became a fourth-generation educator but when his mother contracted breast cancer, one of her wishes was that one of her children would become a physician, according to the newspaper.

He went back to school and studied to become a doctor. She died five weeks before he graduated.

Van Dam went back to school and received his MBA and became a business leader, as well, the newspaper wrote.