Draft:2026 United States Senate election in Kentucky

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2026 United States Senate election in Kentucky

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Party Republican Democratic

Incumbent U.S. senator

Mitch McConnell
Republican



The 2026 United States Senate election in Kentucky will be held on November 3, 2026 to elect new a member of the United States Senate. Incumbent seven-term Republican Mitch McConnell was re-elected in 2020 with 57.8% against former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath. McConnell has not yet stated if he will run for re-election or not. Former Kentucky Attorney General and 2023 gubernatorial candidate Daniel Cameron has been seen a potential strong candidate, as does U.S. Representative from Kentucky's 4th district Thomas Massie.[1]

Background[edit]

McConnell had been a member of the U.S. Senate since 1985, but in 2023 started exhibiting potential health issues during two different press conferences.[2][3] Since these incidents there have been growing concerns over McConnell's health, and some calls for him to resign, but McConnell has refused and stated he plans to finish his term as Senate Republican Leader, though has since hinted he may not seek re-election in 2026.[4]

Republican primary[edit]

Candidates[edit]

Potential[edit]

Declined[edit]

Democratic primary[edit]

Candidates[edit]

Potential[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Bureau, David Catanese, McClatchy Washington (November 9, 2023). "After a bruising loss to Andy Beshear in Kentucky, what's next for Daniel Cameron?". Rockdale Citizen & Newton Citizen. Retrieved November 10, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Osborne, Samuel (July 27, 2023). "Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell freezes mid-sentence and stares vacantly for around 20 seconds during press conference". Sky News. Archived from the original on July 27, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  3. ^ Thorp V., Frank (August 30, 2023). "Sen. Mitch McConnell appears to freeze again at a Kentucky event". NBC News. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  4. ^ "Sen. Mitch McConnell will step down as Republican leader at the end of the year". NBC News. February 28, 2024. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Catanese, David (March 19, 2024). "'A different seat in the chamber': What's ahead for Mitch McConnell in the US Senate?". Lexington Herald-Leader. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  6. ^ Bureau, David Catanese, McClatchy Washington (November 9, 2023). "After a bruising loss to Andy Beshear in Kentucky, what's next for Daniel Cameron?". Rockdale Citizen & Newton Citizen. Retrieved November 10, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ a b Catanese, David (March 21, 2024). "Who would be the front-runner for McConnell's Senate seat in 2026?". McClatchy. Retrieved March 21, 2024.