Republican Andy Barr defeats Democrat Charles Booker to secure Kentucky's pivotal U.S. Senate seat, succeeding retiring leader Mitch McConnell.
One of the first U. S. Senate races of the 2026 midterms has been called. Kentucky Republican Rep. Andy Barr has defeated Democrat Charles Booker for the U. S. Senate seat held by retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell. President Donald Trump endorsed Barr before May’s Republican primary, helping consolidate support in a crowded nomination contest. Barr
defeated former Attorney General Daniel Cameron and other contenders, securing the Republican nomination for November’s general election. Trump subsequently campaigned for Barr in Kentucky, praising his congressional service and potential Senate leadership. At an October rally, Trump described Barr as an accomplished congressman and predicted he would become an outstanding senator. Barr has represented Kentucky’s