Mitch McConnell retirement: Ex-Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron announces Senate bid

Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron has thrown his hat into the ring to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell in the Senate. In a bold move, Cameron announced his Senate campaign just minutes after McConnell declared that he would not seek re-election in 2026. The announcement was made on Cameron’s campaign website, where he shared a screenshot of himself, his wife, and their children, along with the message: “Kentucky, it’s time for a new generation of leadership in the U.S. Senate. Let’s do this.”

Cameron, who made history as Kentucky’s first Black attorney general, is ready to take on the challenge of representing the state in the upper chamber of Congress. With McConnell’s decision not to seek re-election, the door is open for a new leader to emerge in Kentucky politics. Cameron’s campaign has already generated buzz, with many eager to see what he will bring to the table.

McConnell, a seven-term senator, has been a prominent figure in Kentucky politics for decades. However, his recent votes against several of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks have drawn criticism from some within the Republican Party. Despite this, McConnell has been praised for his work in confirming conservative judges and justices, as well as safeguarding the Republican Senate Majority.

Cameron’s entry into the Senate race comes after an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2023. During his time as attorney general, Cameron faced the high-profile investigation into the shooting death of Breonna Taylor, a case that garnered national attention amidst the backdrop of George Floyd-era protests and riots. While his office declined to charge two officers involved in the shooting, a third officer was indicted on wanton endangerment charges. The officer was later acquitted in a state trial, but the Justice Department brought federal charges against all three.

As Cameron prepares for his Senate campaign, he may face competition from within his own party. Rep. Andy Barr has expressed interest in running for Senate, citing a commitment to fighting for President Trump’s America First Agenda. Additionally, entrepreneur Nate Morris has indicated that he is considering a run for McConnell’s seat, criticizing other potential candidates for waiting on McConnell’s decision before launching their campaigns.

On the Democratic side, there has been speculation about who may step up to challenge for McConnell’s seat. Democratic state Rep. Pamela Stevenson of Louisville has been fundraising for a potential Senate run, while Governor Andy Beshear has ruled out a bid for the seat.

Kentucky leans red in federal elections, but the state has seen more competitive races in gubernatorial contests. As Cameron gears up for his Senate campaign, all eyes will be on the Bluegrass State to see who will emerge as the next leader to represent Kentucky in the Senate.