2026 United States Senate election in Kentucky
November 3, 2026
| |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
| Elections in Kentucky |
|---|
| Government |
The 2026 United States Senate election in Kentucky will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of Kentucky. A primary election will be held on May 19, 2026. Incumbent seven-term Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, who was first elected in 1984, and most recently re-elected with 57.8% of the vote in 2020, declined to run for re-election.[1] This decision follows his earlier announcement to retire as Senate Republican Leader after the 2024 Senate elections.
This will be the first open Senate election in Kentucky since 2010, and the first to this seat since 1972.
Background
Kentucky, a Southern state in the Bible Belt, is generally considered to be a Republican stronghold, having not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1992. Republicans control both U.S. Senate seats, all but two statewide executive offices, supermajorities in both houses of the Kentucky General Assembly, and all but one seat in Kentucky's U.S. House delegation.[2] Democrats control both the governorship and lieutenant-governorship, which flipped from Republican control in 2019.[3]
McConnell was first elected in 1984, defeating then-incumbent Walter Dee Huddleston, and was re-elected in six subsequent elections.[4]
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Andy Barr, U.S. representative from Kentucky's 6th congressional district (2013–present)[5]
- Daniel Cameron, former Kentucky Attorney General (2019–2024) and nominee for governor in 2023[6]
- Michael Faris, helicopter maintenance business owner[7]
- Nate Morris, business conglomerate owner[8]
Filed paperwork
Publicly expressed interest
- Thomas Massie, U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 4th congressional district (2012–present)[11]
Declined
- James Comer, U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 1st congressional district (2016–present) (running for re-election)[12]
- Mitch McConnell, incumbent U.S. Senator (1985–present)[13]
- David Osborne, speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives (2018–present) from the 59th district (2005–present)[14]
- Damon Thayer, former state senator from the 17th district (2003–2025)[15]
Endorsements
Andy Barr
- U.S. representatives
- Ronny Jackson, TX-13 (2021–present)[16]
- Michael McCaul, TX-10 (2005–present)[16]
- Hal Rogers, KY-05 (1981–present)[5]
- Mike Rogers, AL-03 (2003–present)[16]
- Steve Scalise, House Majority Leader (2023–present) from LA-01 (2008–present)[17]
- Elise Stefanik, NY-21 (2015–present)[17]
- Ryan Zinke, MT-01 (2015–2017, 2023–present)[16]
- 102 other current U.S. representatives[a][16]
- State legislators
- Amanda Mays Bledsoe, SD-12 (2023–present)[18]
- Scott Madon, SD-29 (2025–present)[18]
- Phillip Wheeler, SD-31 (2019–present)[18]
- Damon Thayer, former majority leader of the Kentucky Senate (2013–2025) from SD-17 (2003–2025)[19]
- Kim King, HD-55 (2011–present)[18]
- Killian Timoney, former HD-45 (2021–2025)[20]
- Individuals
- Riley Gaines, activist and former swimmer[21]
Nate Morris
- U.S. senators
- Jim Banks, Indiana (2025–present)[22]
- Bernie Moreno, Ohio (2025–present)[23]
- State legislators
- John Hodgson, HD-36 (2022–present)[24]
- Individuals
- Charlie Kirk, CEO of Turning Point Action (deceased)[25]
- Vivek Ramaswamy, former CEO of Roivant Sciences[26]
- Richard Uihlein, co-founder of Uline[26]
- Organizations
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Andy Barr (R) | $5,090,065 | $2,096,335 | $6,686,808 |
| Daniel Cameron (R) | $1,304,447 | $674,699 | $629,748 |
| Mike Faris (R) | $30,851 | $46,754 | $0 |
| Nate Morris (R) | $4,037,131 | $2,966,669 | $1,070,461 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[30] | |||
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Andy Barr |
Daniel Cameron |
Nate Morris |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UpOne Insights (R)[31][A] | October 13–14, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 25% | 42% | 10% | – | 23% |
| co/efficient (R)[32][B] | October 8–10, 2025 | 911 (LV) | ± 3.2% | 22% | 39% | 8% | 4%[c] | 27% |
| Public Opinion Strategies (R)[33][A] | September 2–4, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 29% | 37% | 8% | – | 26% |
| UpOne Insights (R)[31][A] | August 2025 | – (V) | – | 19% | 39% | 10% | – | 32% |
| McLaughlin & Associates (R)[34][B] | April 13–15, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.5% | 18% | 44% | 2% | – | 36% |
| co/efficient (R)[35] | February 25–26, 2025 | 1,134 (LV) | ± 3.1% | 18% | 39% | 3% | 11%[d] | 31% |
| UpOne Insights (R)[31][A] | Mid–February 2025 | – (V) | – | 19% | 47% | 3% | – | 31% |
| co/efficient (R)[36] | December 2–3, 2024 | 1,298 (LV) | ± 3.1% | 12% | 37% | 1% | 14%[e] | 36% |
Hypothetical polling
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Charles Booker, former state representative (2019–2021), nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022 and candidate in 2020[37]
- Logan Forsythe, attorney[38]
- Amy McGrath, member of the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors (2022–present), nominee for U.S. Senate in 2020, and nominee for Kentucky's 6th congressional district in 2018[39]
- Dale Romans, horse trainer[40]
- Pamela Stevenson, minority leader of the Kentucky House of Representatives (2025–present) from the 43rd district (2021–present) and nominee for Attorney General in 2023[41]
- Joel Willett, defense contractor[42]
Filed paperwork
- Jared Randall, community activist[43]
Declined
- Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky (2019–present)[44]
- Jacqueline Coleman, Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky (2019–present)[45]
Endorsements
Dale Romans
- Individuals
- James Carville, political consultant[46]
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Logan Forsythe (D) | $39,745 | $1,358 | $38,387 |
| Pamela Stevenson (D) | $266,963 | $242,099 | $24,864 |
| Joel Willett (D) | $319,775 | $4,616 | $315,159 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[30] | |||
Polling
Hypothetical polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Charles Booker |
Logan Forsythe |
Amy McGrath |
Pamela Stevenson |
Joel Willett |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling (D)[47] | October 17–18, 2025 | 590 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 33% | 2% | 30% | 3% | 1% | 31% |
Independents
Candidates
Filed paperwork
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Elections[50] | Solid R | August 12, 2025 |
| The Cook Political Report[51] | Solid R | October 14, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[52] | Safe R | August 12, 2025 |
| Race To The WH[53] | Safe R | September 4, 2025 |
Notes
Partisan clients
References
- ^ Schreiner, Bruce; Freking, Kevin (February 20, 2025). "Sen. Mitch McConnell won't seek reelection in 2026, ending long tenure as Republican power broker". The Associated Press. Washington, D.C. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ "Kentucky House and Senate Republicans maintain supermajority". kaco.org. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
- ^ Golshan, Tara (November 6, 2019). "Democrat Andy Beshear just unseated Kentucky's Trump-loving governor". Vox. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
- ^ McCausland, Phil (November 4, 2020). "Sen. Mitch McConnell wins another term in Kentucky, NBC News projects". NBC News. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
- ^ a b Horn, Austin (April 22, 2025). "Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr launches bid for U.S. Senate, gets Rogers' support". Lexington Herald-Leader. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
- ^ Horn, Austin (February 20, 2025). "Daniel Cameron launches 2026 U.S. Senate bid on heels of Mitch McConnell announcement". Lexington Herald-Leader. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ Sheroan, Ben (March 15, 2025). "Outsider thinks voters are looking for different voice". The News-Enterprise. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ Horn, Austin (June 26, 2025). "KY entrepreneur Nate Morris launches 'referendum' on McConnell bid for U.S. Senate". Lexington Herald-Leader.
- ^ "KENNEDY, WENDE CAROL MS – Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 1, 2019. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ "SHELLY, NICHOLAS ANDREW FEC FORM 2 STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY FILING FEC-1895468".
- ^ Horn, Austin (September 22, 2025). "Thomas Massie not ruling out US Senate bid, but bullish on Cameron's odds". Lexington Herald-Leader.
- ^ Catanese, David (March 21, 2024). "Who would be the front-runner for McConnell's Senate seat in 2026?". McClatchy. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
A spokesperson for Comer...relayed that Comer has no interest in running for senate even if McConnell does not seek reelection.
- ^ Schreiner, Bruce (February 20, 2025). "Sen. Mitch McConnell won't seek reelection in 2026, ending long tenure as Republican power broker". Associated Press. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ Horn, Austin; Catanese, David (February 12, 2025). "Andy Barr for Senate? KY Congressman indicates he's ready to run upon McConnell retirement". Lexington Herald-Leader. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
- ^ Horsley, McKenna (February 20, 2025). "Kentucky's McConnell not seeking reelection to U.S. Senate in 2026". Kentucky Lantern. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
Former Kentucky Senate Republican Floor Leader Damon Thayer told the Kentucky Lantern that...he does not see himself pursuing a run for the open seat.
- ^ a b c d e Horn, Austin (December 16, 2025). "More than 100 GOP House members endorse Andy Barr's Senate campaign". Lexington Herald-Leader. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
- ^ a b Kelly, Erin (April 23, 2025). "Rep. Andy Barr touts GOP endorsements, looking to secure Trump's support". Spectrum News. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Horsley, McKenna; Lucke, Jamie (April 23, 2025). "Race is on in KY for U.S. Senate — and Trump's nod — as second Republican announces". Kentucky Lantern. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ Schreiner, Bruce (October 17, 2025). "Daniel Cameron banking on his name ID to overcome lackluster fundraising in Kentucky Senate race". WPSD Local 6. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
- ^ "Kentucky Politics Insider: A Grimes comeback? Vibes at Barr launch". Kentucky Herald Leader. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
- ^ Pinski, Hannah (April 22, 2025). "Andy Barr starts Senate campaign, announces he will run for Mitch McConnell's seat in 2026". Courier Journal. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ Samuels, Brett (July 24, 2025). "Trump ally Banks endorses Nate Morris in Kentucky Senate race". The Hill. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ Wren, Adam (July 30, 2025). "Bernie Moreno endorses Nate Morris in Kentucky Senate race to replace Mitch McConnell". Politico. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
- ^ Aulbach, Lucas. "Race to replace Mitch McConnell heats up on stage: 3 takeaways from Fancy Farm 2025". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ Stone, Matt (June 30, 2025). "MAGA supporter Charlie Kirk explains why he's backing Nate Morris for US Senate". Courier Journal. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ a b Horn, Austin (September 25, 2025). "Conservative billionaire PAC backs Nate Morris for Senate in TV ad campaign". Lexington Herald-Leader. Archived from the original on September 25, 2025. Retrieved September 26, 2025.
- ^ Renewal, Republicans for National (August 8, 2025). "Republicans for National Renewal Endorses Nate Morris for U.S. Senate in Kentucky". Republicans for National Renewal. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
- ^ "Senate Conservatives Fund". www.senateconservatives.com. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2025/07/30/sen-bernie-moreno-throws-support-behind-nate-morris-in-senate-bid-n2661164#google_vignette
- ^ a b "2026 Election United States Senate – Kentucky". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
- ^ a b c "KY Politics Insider: Cameron's poll shows lead & Beshear on the road". Lexington Herald-Leader. October 15, 2025. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
- ^ "Kentucky Senate 2026 Republican Primary". co/efficient. October 10, 2025. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
- ^ Mueller, Eleanor (September 6, 2025). "New poll reveals Kentucky's shifting Senate race". Semafor. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ McLaughlin, John (April 21, 2025). "Kentucky Statewide – Republican Primary for U.S. Senate" (PDF). Cameron for Kentucky. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ Weigel, David (March 3, 2025). "McConnell protégé Cameron leads in early Kentucky Senate primary poll". Semafor. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
- ^ a b Horn, Austin (February 11, 2025). "Is Daniel Cameron running for Senate? Former KY AG says he 'would be honored to serve'". Lexington Herald Leader. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ Horn, Austin (December 3, 2025). "Charles Booker launches third run for US Senate in Kentucky". Lexington Herald-Leader. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ^ Kim-Martinez, Isaiah (September 16, 2025). "Former Secret Service agent announces run for McConnell's U.S. Senate seat". WHAS-TV. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
- ^ Harbsmeier, Deborah; Anderson, Marlo (October 6, 2025). "Amy McGrath takes another shot at the U.S. Senate". Spectrum News. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
- ^ Epstein, Reid J. (November 12, 2025). "Dale Romans Enters Kentucky Senate Race as Democrats' Latest Long Shot". The New York Times. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
- ^ Anderson, Mario (February 10, 2025). "In Focus: House Minority Leader Pamela Stevenson talks 2025 legislative priorities in Kentucky General Assembly". Spectrum News. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
Stevenson also confirmed during this interview that she is running in the Democratic primary for Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell's seat in 2026.
- ^ Gedeon, Joseph (September 17, 2025). "Ex-CIA officer stripped of clearance 'determined to run' for Mitch McConnell's seat". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
- ^ "RANDALL, JARED – Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 1, 2019. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ Horn, Austin (September 4, 2025). "Sen. Andy Beshear? Thanks, but no thanks, he says to prominent Dem supporters". Lexington Herald-Leader. Archived from the original on September 4, 2025. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ Barrett, Alexis (February 20, 2025). "Daniel Cameron, Pam Stevenson announce 2026 Senate bids". Marshall County Tribune-Courier. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
JT Henderson, a representative for Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, said that Coleman is 'not interested' in running.
- ^ "Trevor McCarthy Joins the TDN Writersʼ Room Podcast Presented by Keeneland". Thoroughbred Daily News. November 25, 2025.
- ^ "Kentucky Survey Results" (PDF). Public Policy Polling. October 24, 2025. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
- ^ "DUNCAN, SCOTT MICHEAL – Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 1, 2019. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1925742". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
- ^ "Senate Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Senate Race Ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Senate ratings". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Senate Forecast". Race to the WH. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
External links
- Official campaign websites
- Andy Barr (R) for Senate
- Charles Booker (D) for Senate
- Daniel Cameron (R) for Senate
- Michael Faris (R) for Senate
- Logan Forsythe (D) for Senate
- Amy McGrath (D) for Senate
- Nate Morris (R) for Senate
- Jared Randall (D) for Senate
- Dale Romans (D) for Senate
- Pamela Stevenson (D) for Senate
- Joel Willett (D) for Senate