The race is on for the seat of Sen. Mitch McConnell, who announced Thursday morning, his 83rd birthday, that he would not be seeking another term in office once his current one ends in 2026.
Former state attorney general Daniel Cameron said he would run to represent Kentucky in the U.S. Senate in 2026.
“Kentucky, it’s time for a new generational of leadership in the U.S. Senate. Let’s do this,” Cameron wrote in a post on social media which came minutes after McConnell’s announcement.
Cameron once served as McConnell’s legal counsel and was the first Black attorney general in Kentucky. He ran a failed campaign in the 2023 gubernatorial race against Andy Beshear.
Central Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr also has expressed interest in McConnell’s seat and has told fellow Republicans he is ready to jump into the race. He could transfer a well-funded campaign account to the Senate race. Nate Morris, a businessman with ties to Vice President J.D. Vance, has also expressed an interest in running.
It would seem the gloves are already off for a race that is still 20 months away.
Kentucky has not had an open U.S. Senate race since 2010 when Rand Paul won a seat.
Republicans on the national and state level issued statements on the news that Sen. Mitch McConnell would not be seeking another term after his current one ends in 2026.
The Republican Party of Kentucky thanked McConnell for his years of service in a statement.
“The Republican Party of Kentucky offers its deepest gratitude to Sen. Mitch McConnell for his extraordinary and steadfast service to our state and nation. From his early days as county judge-executive, to becoming the longest-serving Senate party leader in history, he has faithfully served the people of Kentucky with integrity and dedication.
“Without his vision and tireless efforts, we would not be the majority party in Kentucky, with strong voter registration, supermajorities in our legislature, and seven of Kentucky’s eight seats in Washington. His principled, conservative leadership has shaped policies that have strengthened both our state and our country.
“We all owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his unparalleled service, and we wish him continued success in the years ahead.”
Barr sent his congratulations to McConnell in a statement as well.
“Senator McConnell reshaped the federal judiciary, including the United States Supreme Court, to preserve the original meaning of our Constitution. Davis and I thank him for his service to Kentucky, and our country, and extend our best wishes as he serves out his term in the Senate.”
David Osborne, House Speaker in Kentucky, said McConnell had “one of the most consequential careers in modern American history.”
“For more than four decades, Leader McConnell has been a dominant force in shaping judicial appointments, tax policy, and legislative strategy,” Osborne said. “While his tenure is historic in its length, it is even more meaningful in what he has accomplished for both our Commonwealth and nation. As a direct result of his leadership, Kentucky has seen record investments in infrastructure, strengthened our position in national defense, and benefited from countless programs aimed at improving health, education, and overall quality of life.”
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman also applauded McConnell’s long career in the U.S. Senate.
“Senator Mitch McConnell has earned his place as the most consequential Kentuckian to serve in the United States Senate since Henry Clay. His mastery of the world’s most deliberative body is matched only by his unwavering commitment to the people of Kentucky,” he said. “From the Mountains in the East to the River Counties in the West and everywhere between, the impact of Senator McConnell’s leadership will continue to play out for generations. He has fought for farmers and factory workers, miners and medical researchers, servicemembers and small business owners. And time and again, he has won.
Others offered statements on McConnell’s announcement:
“We all owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his unparalleled service, and we wish him continued success in the years ahead.” — Kentucky Republican Party Chairman Robert Benvenuti
“I appreciate Senator McConnell’s dedication and commitment to serving Kentuckians over the years and wish him the best.” — Sen. Rand Paul.
McConnell won seven terms in office, starting in 1984, and served as the GOP’s chamber leader from 2007 to 2024 when he was a force in national politics.
By Mark Maynard, Kentucky Today
