Draft:2026 United States Senate election in Kentucky

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.

Background
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. 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.

Potential

 * Michael Adams, Secretary of State of Kentucky (2020–present)
 * Allison Ball, Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts (2024–present)
 * Andy Barr, U.S. representative for KY's 6th congressional district (2013–present)
 * Daniel Cameron, former Attorney General of Kentucky (2019–2024) and nominee for governor of Kentucky in 2023
 * Russell Coleman, Attorney General of Kentucky (2024–present)
 * Kelly Craft, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (2019–2021) and candidate for governor of Kentucky in 2023
 * Thomas Massie, U.S. representative for KY's 4th congressional district (2012–present)
 * Mitch McConnell, incumbent U.S. senator (1985–present) and outgoing leader of the Senate Republican Conference (2007–2025)

Declined

 * James Comer, U.S. representative for KY's 1st congressional district (2016–present)

Declined

 * Andy Beshear, 63rd Governor of Kentucky (2019–present)