Sixth District Congressman Andy Barr won the high-profile GOP primary race to succeed former Republican Leader Mitch McConnell in the U.S. Senate.
Barr, who has been in Congress since 2013, handily defeated former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Barr won 62.8% of the vote to Cameron’s 28.6% in the 11-person field.
Cameron was considered to be the leader early in the race, but the better-funded Barr was able to close the gap and pull ahead after receiving the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
“This victory is about the future, and whether that future will be shaped by Kentucky common sense or the craziness about the extreme far left,” said Barr in his acceptance speech.
Barr thanked his opponents for pushing him during the campaign and Trump for his backing.
“By running, they made Kentucky stronger, America stronger and they made me a better candidate. I also want to thank President Donald J. Trump. Thank you Mr. President for your powerful support. I look forward to fighting alongside you, to advance our America First agenda, and deliver for Kentucky in the United States Senate.”
During his concession speech, Cameron promised to support Barr in the fall general election.
“I told him I was grateful for the campaign that he ran, and for the way he has articulated his vision for our 120 Kentucky counties. My hope is when the votes are tallied in November and the last votes is counted, he will be Senator-elect Andy Barr,” said Cameron. “I also told him that if I can be of any service to him during the fall campaign, I will certainly do it.”
Barr will take on Democrat Charles Booker, a former state representative from Louisville, in the November general election.
Booker defeated retired Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath to become the first African American to win a U.S. Senate primary in Kentucky.
“People didn’t think this was possible in a place like Kentucky. But it’s places like Kentucky that make democracy real. It’s places like Kentucky that show the power of humanity, because we are hard-working and dependable.
(Photo: Rep. Andy Barr, a Trump-endorsed candidate for the U.S. Senate, speaks on stage during the Kenton County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Covington, courtesy of the Associated Press)
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
