Kentucky, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Nate Morris’s U.S. Senate campaign in Kentucky receives a significant boost with a $1.1 million ad campaign by the Restoration of America PAC, led by GOP donor Dick Uihlein. This marks the first major external support for Morris, who is competing against Rep. Andy Barr and others for the Senate seat in the upcoming primaries. The new ad highlights Morris’s conservative values and his Kentucky roots, contrasting with his previous more negative messaging. The advertisement will air in key markets like Louisville and Lexington.
Louisville
A political action committee (PAC) backing Nate Morris for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky has launched a significant $1.1 million ad campaign as of Wednesday. This advertising push marks the first instance of outside financial support for Morris’s candidacy to be featured on television.
Both Nate Morris and Rep. Andy Barr have already initiated their own advertising efforts in the race for the Senate seat, which will be contested in the 2026 primaries. Meanwhile, various PACs have contributed millions to TV advertisements supporting Barr and opposing Morris. Former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who is currently leading in polling, has not yet released any television advertisements due to fundraising challenges.
The ad in question is funded by the Restoration of America PAC, an organization led by notable GOP megadonor Dick Uihlein. Unlike Morris’s previous ads, which tended to be more critical of his competitors—including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell—the new ad takes a more positive tone. It emphasizes Morris’s background as a conservative and a ninth-generation Kentuckian raised by a single mother in a union household, highlighting his status as a successful businessman.
This new advertisement will be broadcast in key Kentucky markets including Lexington, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Bowling Green.
Uihlein is recognized as one of the most influential conservative donors in the country. The Restoration of America PAC previously ranked among the top five outside spending groups supporting Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential election cycle. Most of the funding for this PAC comes from Uihlein, who also supports the Club For Growth and has been a top Republican donor during the 2022 midterms, contributing to various Kentucky political campaigns, including those of Barr and Cameron.
In June, Uihlein made a personal donation of $7,000 to Barr’s Senate campaign and played a significant role in supporting Cameron during his unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign against Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear.
The new campaign ad contrasts sharply with Morris’s earlier messaging, which was characterized by a focus on attacking his opponents and McConnell, whose approval ratings are low in Kentucky despite his enduring popularity among certain Republican voter segments. Morris officially kicked off his campaign in June alongside Trump Jr., asserting that he aims to “end the McConnell mafia.” Influential figures like VP JD Vance and Charlie Kirk have encouraged Morris to challenge McConnell, shaping his narrative as a Washington outsider aligned with Trump’s vision.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a well-known business figure and Trump ally, has endorsed Morris, suggesting he is the type of candidate Kentucky needs in the Senate. Morris has continued to position himself as a disruptor within the GOP, publicly criticizing McConnell.
The primary election is set for May 19, 2026, featuring Republican candidates Nate Morris, Andy Barr, and Daniel Cameron. Currently, the only declared Democrat candidate is State Rep. Pamela Stevenson.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the PAC spend on the ad campaign for Nate Morris?
The PAC supporting Nate Morris has launched a $1.1 million ad campaign.
What is the main focus of the new ad for Nate Morris?
The ad presents a positive portrayal of Morris, emphasizing his conservative background and achievements as a businessman.
Who leads the PAC funding the ad campaign?
The PAC is led by GOP megadonor Dick Uihlein, known for being a significant donor in conservative politics.
In which Kentucky markets will the ad air?
The advertisement will be broadcast in major markets including Lexington, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Bowling Green.
When is the Senate primary election scheduled?
The Senate primary election will take place on May 19, 2026.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Nate Morris Declares Candidacy for U.S. Senate in Kentucky
Andy Barr Announces Senate Candidacy for 2026
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Additional Resources
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