Overview
- McGrath announced her bid on Oct. 6, casting herself as a “bulwark against authoritarianism” and criticizing President Donald Trump in her launch video.
- She faces a Democratic field that includes state House Minority Leader Pamela Stevenson, former Secret Service agent Logan Forsythe and former CIA officer Joel Willett.
- Republican contenders include Rep. Andy Barr, former Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris, who are competing for Trump’s endorsement.
- McGrath lost to McConnell by nearly 20 points in 2020 after a campaign that spent close to $90 million and previously fell just short against Barr in a 2018 House race.
- Kentucky has not elected a Democratic senator since 1992, with the May 19, 2026 primary and Nov. 3, 2026 general election on the calendar as Cook and Inside Elections rate the seat solid Republican.