Overview
- ABC projected Republican Rep. Andy Barr defeated Democrat Charles Booker on Tuesday, a network call reported by WCPO that remains a projection until state election officials complete certification.
- Barr ran with President Trump’s endorsement while Booker drew late, high-profile support from Barack Obama and senators including Raphael Warnock and Elizabeth Warren.
- Both campaigns centered their closing messages on the economy with Barr stressing increased domestic energy and production to lower costs and Booker focusing on affordability and bipartisan solutions.
- Early voting data showed more registered Democrats cast ballots before Election Day, a pattern both campaigns cited while predicting turnout advantages for their bases on Election Day.
- If certified, Barr will take McConnell’s seat when McConnell leaves in January 2027 and the result will factor into the wider battle for Senate control where Democrats needed multiple pickups to flip the chamber.