By BallotWire
2025
U.S. Representative Andy Barr has officially announced his candidacy for Kentucky's open U.S. Senate seat in the 2026 election, seeking to succeed the retiring Mitch McConnell. A Republican from Lexington, Barr is positioning himself as a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, focusing on his dedication to conservative principles and closely aligning with Trump's policy initiatives. His entry into the race adds a fresh and exciting element to the competitive Republican primary, featuring former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron.
Given Kentucky's strong Republican leanings in general elections, the Republican primary is anticipated to be fiercely contested. The last Democrat to win a U.S. Senate seat in Kentucky was Wendell Ford in 1992. Since then, the state's Senate races have been dominated by Republicans, a trend that includes notable figures like Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul. The 1992 election marks the most recent victory for a Democrat in this arena, underscoring the historical dominance of Republicans in Kentucky's Senate races.
Having served Kentucky's 6th Congressional District since 2013, Barr emphasized his commitment to "putting America back on the right track" during his campaign launch. A key focus of his platform is his alignment with Trump's agenda.