Special Poll
Longtime Senator Mitch McConnell’s announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2026 has set off a flurry of political activity in Kentucky, as candidates scramble for the state’s first open Senate seat in 15 years.
McConnell, 83, has been a dominant figure in Republican politics, holding his seat since 1985 and serving as the longest-tenured Senate party leader in U.S. history. His decision to step down has created an opportunity that many ambitious Kentucky Republicans have been waiting for. The state’s other senator, Rand Paul, was first elected in 2010.
In a speech on the Senate floor, McConnell confirmed that his current term will be his last. He acknowledged the political challenges facing the institution but expressed optimism about the Senate’s future. While he did not indicate who he might support as his successor, his endorsement may not carry much weight in today’s Trump-dominated Republican Party.
Former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who lost the 2023 gubernatorial race, was quick to announce his candidacy. In a social media post, he called for “a new generation of leadership in the U.S. Senate” and unveiled a campaign logo confirming his run. Congressman Andy Barr also issued a statement saying he is considering a Senate bid and has been encouraged by the support he has received. Both men have ties to McConnell—Cameron as his former legal counsel and Barr as a college intern.
At the same time, several high-profile Kentucky politicians quickly ruled themselves out of the race. Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat widely seen as the party’s strongest contender, confirmed through a spokesperson that he will not run. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer also announced that he is not planning a Senate run but is considering a bid for governor in 2027. Representative Morgan McGarvey, a Democrat, also has no plans to run, according to a source familiar with his thinking.
Democrats, meanwhile, are looking at potential opportunities elsewhere in Kentucky politics. Some strategists believe Barr’s House seat could become competitive if he vacates it to run for Senate. A Democratic PAC had already flagged the district as one to watch, although it strongly favored Trump in the last election. While Barr has not faced a serious challenger since the 2018 midterms, shifting political dynamics could make the race more interesting.
Republicans remain confident that they will hold the seat, with a spokesperson for the Congressional Leadership Fund dismissing Democratic chances in the state. Trump remains highly popular in Kentucky, while Democrats have struggled to gain traction in recent years. With McConnell stepping down, the race to replace him will be a defining moment in the state’s political landscape.