Trump endorses Andy Barr for Kentucky US Senate over Daniel Cameron

Austin Horn, Lexington Herald-Leader on May 1, 2026

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President Donald Trump has endorsed longtime Central Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr in this year’s Republican primary for U.S. Senate.

Trump announced the move in a post to his Truth Social network Friday evening.

“Andy is the only Candidate who will easily defeat the Democrat in what will be one of the most important Elections in American History. He will help ensure Victory against these Radical Left, Country Destroying, THUGS. Andy Barr has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next United States Senator from Kentucky – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN,” Trump wrote.

Barr is one of several candidates who had lined up to replace longtime U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, who is not seeking reelection this year.

He was considered one of three leading candidates alongside Lexington businessman Nate Morris and former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron before Trump posted moments before his endorsement message that he’d asked Morris to step aside and take an ambassador role in the administration.

A spokesperson for Morris confirmed to The Lexington Herald-Leader after Trump’s recent post that Morris will endorse Barr.

Many in Kentucky see Trump’s endorsement as a golden ticket to the nomination. Although Trump’s approval rating is sliding across the country, he won the state by more than 30 points in his 2024 matchup against former Vice President Kamala Harris.

A spokesperson for Cameron did not immediately respond to the news when asked Friday evening.

Cameron was the beneficiary of an early Trump endorsement in his 2023 run for governor, when he glided to the nomination but ultimately lost to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear.