In the days following Mitch McConnell’s announced 2026 retirement from the U.S. Senate, two names have already stepped forward in his wake.
Coming off of a 5-point loss in the 2024 governor’s race to incumbent Andy Beshear, Kentucky’s 51st Attorney General Daniel Cameron made his intentions officially known Monday — looking to keep the coveted national seat Republican in status and leadership.
Cameron is currently boasting high name recognition, positive approval ratings and what he’s already calling a “staggering 25-point lead” in early polling, and he’s running to “defend Constitutional rights” and to “support President Donald J. Trump’s America First agenda.”
As McConnell’s protege, however, he’s also looking to separate himself from a mentor — one who, in recent weeks, made decisions with which he did not agree.
Looking to stem modern imperialism, McConnell has also long supported America’s monetary measures in protecting Ukraine from Russian invasion and aggression.
Cameron would like to see such policy reversed.
Cameron also said he agrees with Trump’s “America First” priorities, and as former attorney general, he worked to “fight the invasion at the southern border, keep Kentuckians safe, unleash American energy, and preserve American values.”
Meanwhile, Kentucky’s current House Minority Floor Leader Pamela Stevenson has also announced her candidacy for the role.
A retired Air Force colonel and staunch Louisville Democrat, she’s been in the House since 2021 — and remains there following her 2024 defeat to Russell Coleman for attorney general.
Beshear and his Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman have reportedly declined interest, but Sixth District Congressman Andy Barr could be in the mix — as could Fourth Congressional District U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, who currently serves on the House’s Transportation & Infrastructure and House Judiciary committees.
