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Trump-backed Barr poised to replace McConnell after Kentucky GOP Senate primary victory

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by Julia Mueller - 05/19/26 7:21 PM ET

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by Julia Mueller - 05/19/26 7:21 PM ET

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Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) is projected to win the Republican primary for Senate in Kentucky, putting him on a glidepath to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell (R), the longest-serving Senate leader in history.

Barr defeated former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron in a competitive primary that marked the first race without McConnell on the ballot in more than four decades.

McConnell, who took office during the Reagan administration and announced last year that he would not seek reelection to an eighth term, has not endorsed in the race. The candidates have sought to distance themselves as they attempt to usher in a new generation of GOP leadership.

Barr’s victory is a win for President Trump, who gave Barr his seal of approval earlier this month. Trump had asked businessman Nate Morris, another Senate hopeful, to “step aside” from the GOP primary and join his administration as a U.S. ambassador. Morris accepted the offer.

Barr centered his campaign on issues championed by Trump, including tightened border control policies, tax cut legislation and gun rights.

After emerging from the wide-open primary on Tuesday, Barr is now the heavy favorite to fill McConnell’s seat this fall. Cook Political Report rates the race as “solid Republican.”

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