The race for Kentucky’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2026 is intensifying, with a crowded Republican primary drawing significant fundraising and outside spending, while Democrats seek to capitalize on the first open contest for this seat since 1972. The election is set for November 3, 2026, following primaries on May 19, 2026, and a candidate filing deadline of January 9, 2026. The seat is currently held by Republican Mitch McConnell, who announced on February 20, 2025, that he would not seek re-election after serving since 1985.
Kentucky remains a Republican stronghold in federal races, having last elected a Democrat to the Senate in 1992. Republicans have carried the state in every presidential election since 2000 and hold both U.S. Senate seats, supermajorities in the state legislature, and most congressional districts and statewide offices, despite Democrats holding the governorship since 2019.
Strong Republican Field Emerges
The Republican primary features several high-profile candidates aligned with conservative priorities, including border security, economic growth, and support for former President Donald Trump.
U.S. Representative Andy Barr, representing Kentucky’s 6th District since 2013, entered the race on April 22, 2025. As an eighth-generation Kentuckian, Barr has emphasized his work on financial services and foreign policy, positioning himself as a fighter for America First policies.
Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who served from 2020 to 2024, launched his bid on February 20, 2025, the same day McConnell announced his retirement. Cameron, a vocal Trump supporter, has highlighted his record on law enforcement and conservative values.
Lexington businessman Nate Morris, CEO of a green energy firm, joined the contest on June 27, 2025. Morris has pledged loyalty to Trump and framed his campaign as a push for stricter immigration controls and economic renewal.
Other declared Republicans include businessman Mike Faris, who announced on March 15, 2025, as an outsider voice; Wende Kennedy; and Andrew Shelley.
Potential entrants include CNN commentator Scott Jennings, who has been considering a run since April 30, 2025, and U.S. Representative Thomas Massie, who has not ruled out a bid as of September 22, 2025.
Democrats Mount Uphill Challenge
On the Democratic side, the field includes military veterans and state legislators aiming to break the Republican hold.
Retired Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath announced her candidacy on October 6, 2025, calling the race a critical opportunity to defend democracy. McGrath, who flew 89 combat missions against al-Qaeda and the Taliban, previously ran for the Senate in 2020, raising over $90 million but winning only three counties, and narrowly lost a House race in 2018.
State Representative Pamela Stevenson, a military veteran and House Minority Leader since 2023, entered the race on March 31, 2025, focusing on legislative priorities.
Former CIA officer and Army veteran Joel Willett launched his bid in mid-September 2025.
Attorney and former Secret Service agent Logan Forsythe announced in mid-September 2025.
Other filed Democrats include Vincent Thompson and Jared Randall.
Governor Andy Beshear declined to run on September 4, 2025, as did Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman on February 20, 2025.
Polling Shows Cameron Leading GOP Primary
Recent surveys indicate Cameron holds a commanding lead in the Republican primary.
An October 13-14, 2025, poll by UpOne Insights of 600 likely voters showed Cameron at 42 percent, Barr at 25 percent, Morris at 10 percent, and 23 percent undecided.
An October 8-10, 2025, poll by co/efficient of 911 likely voters showed Cameron at 39 percent, Barr at 22 percent, Morris at 8 percent, other at 4 percent, and 27 percent undecided.
A September 2-4, 2025, poll by Public Opinion Strategies of 600 likely voters showed Cameron at 37 percent, Barr at 29 percent, Morris at 8 percent, and 26 percent undecided.
An April 13-15, 2025, poll by McLaughlin & Associates of 500 likely voters showed Cameron at 44 percent, Barr at 18 percent, Morris at 2 percent, and 36 percent undecided.
A February 25-26, 2025, poll by co/efficient of 1,134 likely voters showed Cameron at 39 percent, Barr at 18 percent, other at 11 percent, Morris at 3 percent, and 31 percent undecided.
No polls are available for the Democratic primary.
Fundraising and Spending Surge
Campaign finance reports for the third quarter of 2025, covering July through September and due October 14, 2025, reveal Republicans dominating in resources.
Barr raised $1.8 million in the third quarter, ending with $6.6 million cash on hand after spending $1.2 million, much on television ads. His total raised by June 30, 2025, was $3.27 million.
Cameron raised $411,224 in the third quarter, ending with $629,748 cash on hand. His year-to-date total stands at about $1.3 million.
Morris raised over $4 million in the third quarter, including a $3 million personal loan, and spent nearly $3 million, including $1.6 million on TV ads.
Faris reported negative cash on hand of $15,903 as of September 30, 2025.
Among Democrats, Willett raised $319,774 in late September 2025, including a $200,000 personal loan, ending with $325,158 cash on hand.
Stevenson raised $41,641 in the third quarter, bringing her yearly total to $262,000, with $24,863 cash on hand after spending $242,000.
Forsythe raised nearly $40,000 in late September 2025.
McGrath has not yet filed third-quarter reports.
Outside groups have poured in millions. Win it Back PAC spent $2 million attacking Barr, including $1.6 million on TV. Restoration of America PAC spent $1.6 million supporting Morris. Keep America Great spent $2.4 million attacking Morris, including $1.6 million on TV.
Recent Revelations and Developments
The race has seen several key updates in recent weeks.
On October 6, 2025, McGrath’s entry added a high-profile name to the Democratic field, setting up potential rematches and drawing attention to her past campaigns.
Third-quarter fundraising revealed escalating spending, with Republicans outpacing Democrats significantly and PACs fueling attack ads on Barr and Morris.
In September 2025, rumors surfaced that some Republican officials discussed urging Cameron to drop out and challenge Massie in a House primary, but Cameron’s camp denied any plans to exit on September 17, 2025.
An ethics complaint against Cameron from his time as attorney general resurfaced in May 2025 but has not impacted his lead.
The annual Fancy Farm picnic in August 2025 featured Barr, Cameron, and Morris, where they flipped a coin for speaking order and traded barbs on conservative credentials.
Morris received a boost from a billionaire-backed PAC launching TV ads on September 25, 2025.
These developments underscore the high stakes in a race expected to remain firmly Republican, with the primary likely deciding the next senator.