(WKYT) – The Associated Press has projected Republican Andy Barr as the victor in the race to replace U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.
With 99% of the statewide vote counted, Barr leads Democrat Charles Booker with 55% of the vote to 43%.
Barr has served as the representative from Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District since 2013 after he defeated then-incumbent Ben Chandler. He previously challenged Chandler in 2010 in a narrow defeat.
This was Booker’s third attempt to become a senator. He previously lost the 2020 Democratic primary to Amy McGrath and lost a challenge to Sen. Rand Paul in 2022.
McConnell congratulated his soon-to-be successor in a social media post.
“Congratulations to U.S. Senator-elect Andy Barr! Having worked alongside Andy in Congress, I know firsthand his dedication to Kentucky and his ability to deliver for our Commonwealth. I’m proud of the way that Andy worked to earn support across the Commonwealth,” he said. “The confidence Kentuckians have placed in their next Senator is well deserved. I’m deeply grateful to Kentuckians for the privilege of serving them in the Senate, and I look forward to working with Andy to ensure a seamless transition so Kentucky can continue punching above its weight.”
Barr earned another distinction as well. He will be the first U.S. Senator from central or eastern Kentucky since Pulaski County Republican John Sherman Cooper.
All results are unofficial.
