Amy McGrath Announces Senate Run for Kentucky in 2026

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Amy McGrath announced Monday that she is running for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky‘s 2026 race. The retired Marine fighter pilot previously ran in 2020 as the Democratic candidate against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

In a news release, McGrath stated her reason for entering the race is to block another candidate similar to former President Donald Trump from gaining an easy win in the Senate. “Kentuckians deserve someone battle-tested and ready to fight for them on day one,” McGrath said. “I’ve spent my life stepping up when the mission was tough and the stakes were high.”

Kentucky has not had an open Senate seat since 2010, and McGrath described this upcoming race as a “tremendous opportunity for Kentuckians.”

McGrath served 20 years in the Marine Corps, participating in missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. During her career, she also worked as a liaison officer at the Pentagon and instructed at the U.S. Naval Academy.

On the Republican side, candidates include former AG Daniel Cameron and State Representative Jason Nemes. Both have distanced themselves from McConnell while seeking endorsements from Trump, which could be crucial for their campaigns.

Other Democratic candidates include current Secretary of State Michael Adams and former council member Jessica Green. Meanwhile, Democratic Governor Andy Beshear has ruled out a Senate run as he is ineligible for reelection due to term limits, although speculation rises about a potential presidential candidacy in 2028.