The race for Kentucky’s U.S. Senate seat, currently held by retiring Senator Mitch McConnell, is heating up as candidates from both major parties ramp up their fundraising efforts ahead of the primary election scheduled for May 19, 2026.
In the Republican primary, the competition has become fierce, with candidates already raising substantial funds. Current U.S. Representative Andy Barr has continued to build on his fundraising lead, amassing an additional $1.8 million in the most recent quarter, which has brought his total cash on hand to approximately $6.6 million. This significant amount stems from a strong financial foundation laid by Barr earlier in the year, including transfers from his House campaign committees.
Barr’s primary competitor, businessman Nate Morris, has made a notable entrance into the race. Morris reported an impressive fundraising total of over $4 million, bolstered by a personal loan of $3 million to his campaign. Morris has also invested heavily in advertising, spending roughly $3 million to promote his bid and counter Barr’s substantial ad efforts. Despite the internal polling indicating that Barr and Morris are trailing two-time statewide candidate Daniel Cameron, their fundraising has far outstripped Cameron’s. As of the latest reports, Cameron has raised just under $900,000 for the year, with only $411,224 coming in the latest quarter.
Political action committees (PACs) are playing a crucial role in this race, contributing significantly to the candidates’ campaigns. The “Win it Back PAC” has focused its efforts on attacking Barr, spending around $2 million on ads that criticize him for his association with McConnell. Meanwhile, the “Restoration of America PAC” has praised Morris, despite him struggling to break into double digits in polling. Additionally, the “Keep America Great” PAC has been active in defending Barr from negative attacks by branding Morris as a “fake” conservative.
On the Democratic side, Joel Willett has emerged as the frontrunner, raising $319,774 in just two weeks after launching his campaign. This amount, largely derived from a personal loan of $200,000, positions Willett favorably against his Democratic competitors, including state Rep. Pamela Stevenson. Stevenson has raised $41,641 in the latest quarter, entering October with a mere $24,863 in cash due to heavy spending on fundraising consultants.
Also making headlines in the Democratic race is Amy McGrath, a Navy veteran and previous candidate who lost a high-profile campaign against McConnell in 2020. McGrath has announced her candidacy once again but will not need to file a campaign finance report until early next year.
As the candidates prepare for the primary election, the competitive nature of both parties highlights the importance of fundraising and strategic spending in an era where outside financial support from PACs can significantly influence the outcome. The rapidly approaching primary is sure to bring additional developments as candidates and their backers continue their aggressive campaigns to secure a spot in the upcoming election.
With the election still several months away, the dynamic landscape suggests a spirited battle ahead, showcasing the political engagement of both parties in Kentucky.