Kentucky Representative Andy Barr is preparing to enter the 2026 Senate race, setting the stage for a potential successor to Mitch McConnell. While McConnell hasn't announced his retirement plans, widespread speculation suggests he may step down, leading to a primary race for what's considered a safe Republican seat.
A potential successor to Kentucky GOP Senator Mitch McConnell is starting to emerge, even though the former majority leader hasn't announced his retirement plans. Kentucky Representative Andy Barr, who was present at a Republican campaign retreat in Palm Beach over the weekend, intends to run for McConnell's seat in the 2026 Senate race, according to sources who attended the event.
McConnell, currently serving his seventh term, hasn't revealed his intentions for reelection, but has consistently stated his desire to complete his term, which concludes in early 2027. Barr has reportedly indicated privately that he wouldn't challenge McConnell in a primary if the senator decided to run again.A GOP source describes Barr as a top contender for McConnell's seat. While there's a prevailing belief in Washington and among donors that McConnell will retire, setting up a primary race for a seemingly secure Republican seat, attendees at the National Republican Senatorial Committee's winter retreat expressed respect for McConnell's long tenure. The retreat brought together Senate Republicans and donors at The Breakers Palm Beach, a luxurious oceanfront hotel, and even extended to entertainment at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago club, where Trump hosted guests and played golf before departing for the Super Bowl. Among the notable donors who met with senators during the retreat were former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Susquehanna International Group's Jeff Yass, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, Charles Schwab, the founder of his eponymous financial services company, and representatives from the American Opportunity Alliance, a conservative think tank. Other names circulating as potential replacements for McConnell include Dan Cameron, a McConnell ally and former Kentucky attorney general who narrowly lost his bid for governor against incumbent Democratic Governor Andy Beshear in 2023, as well as Kentucky businessman Nate Morris and GOP Representatives James Comer and Thomas Massie. Comer has reportedly expressed interest in the governor's office, while Massie has allegedly confided in associates that he doesn't intend to run for Senate. Morris, according to sources, is considering bids for either the governor's or the Senate seat. Trump, who has frequently criticized McConnell over the years, hasn't yet commented on a potential race to succeed the senator. McConnell, who was one of three Republicans who voted against Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, has pledged to utilize his influence as chairman of the Defense Appropriations subcommittee to counter 'America first' isolationism throughout the remainder of his term. Another point of discussion among Republicans at the retreat is whether Beshear will challenge for the Senate seat. A group of wealthy Republicans is reportedly planning an independent venture to support Barr's candidacy, although Barr is not affiliated with the group. Barr's spokesperson, Tyler Staker, stated, 'Congressman Barr is laser-focused on delivering results for the people of Kentucky's 6th District and advancing President Trump's America First agenda. Should an opportunity arise to further serve his community, state, and country, he stands ready to do so.' A spokesperson for McConnell declined to comment. McConnell announced in February 2024 that he would step down as the Republican leader. The first day to file as a primary candidate is November 5, and the deadline is January 9, 2026, according to the Kentucky State Board of Elections
MITCH MCCONNELL ANDREW BARR KENTUCKY SENATE RACE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY 2026 ELECTION
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