Lexington, Kentucky, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Amy McGrath, a former Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, is weighing a potential run for the Senate seat left vacant by Mitch McConnell in 2026. Despite losing to McConnell in 2020, McGrath’s previous fundraising success and military background may position her as a leading candidate in a competitive Democratic primary. Other Democrats are also showing interest in the seat, highlighting a vibrant political landscape as the 2026 elections approach.
Lexington, Kentucky – Amy McGrath, a former Democratic candidate for both the U.S. House and Senate, is contemplating a run for the U.S. Senate in 2026. A source close to McGrath has confirmed that she is “seriously considering” another campaign for the seat that was previously held by long-time Senator Mitch McConnell who has announced he will not seek reelection in 2026. McGrath’s potential candidacy could set the stage for a competitive race in Kentucky, especially with momentum building as various Democrats express interest in the seat.
In the 2020 Senate race, McGrath faced off against McConnell but lost by a staggering margin of nearly 20 percentage points. Despite this defeat, her campaign marked a record-breaking fundraising effort, raising over $94 million compared to McConnell’s $63 million. This race set a historical benchmark for the most combined funds ever raised in a U.S. Senate race, a record that has not been approached since in Kentucky.
McConnell’s decision not to run again opens opportunities for other Democratic candidates to vie for the Senate seat, with individuals like Pam Stevenson, Logan Forsythe, and Joel Willett already launching professional campaigns. Although McGrath has not publicly announced her intentions, she previously stated it was “too early” to make a decision. Her focus, as of March 2023, was on supporting fellow Democratic candidates rather than her own potential campaign.
McGrath’s military background adds to her identity as a candidate, being the first woman to fly a combat mission as a Marine fighter pilot. This experience, combined with her previous political runs, keeps her relevant in the political landscape. In her 2018 House campaign against Republican Andy Barr, McGrath had a tighter race, losing by only three percentage points compared to her larger defeat in 2020.
Criticism emerged from some progressive circles during McGrath’s campaigns, notably regarding her fundraising tactics. An article highlighted her role among “The Losing Democrats Who Gobbled Up Money,” indicating that some viewed her financial strategies as a failure despite their historical success in fundraising. No Kentucky Democrat has won a Senate race since Wendell Ford’s reelection in 1992, underscoring the challenges that still exist for Democratic candidates in a state historically leaning Republican.
Following her 2020 defeat, McGrath released a book titled “Honor Bound,” where she outlined her experiences in both military and political contexts. She has also been active in establishing political fundraising groups, such as Honor Bound PAC and Democratic Majority Action PAC, which focus on supporting Democratic candidates in pivotal elections across the country. Notably, the Democratic Majority Action PAC has invested significantly in key elections, including work for Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock’s reelection and contributions to Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign for the 2024 presidential election.
As of June 30 reporting, McGrath’s political action committees have seen varying degrees of financial success, with Honor Bound PAC nearly depleted and Democratic Majority Action PAC maintaining approximately $432,000 in available funds. Meanwhile, the Republican field is also taking shape with candidates like Daniel Cameron, Andy Barr, Nate Morris, and Michael Faris competing for McConnell’s vacated seat, indicating a vibrant political landscape leading up to the 2026 election.
Key Features and Fundraising Summary of McGrath’s Political Engagement:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 2020 Senate Race Fundraising | McGrath raised over $94 million; McConnell raised approximately $63 million. |
| Historical Significance | This race set the record for most combined funds raised in a U.S. Senate race. |
| Military Background | First woman to fly a combat mission as a Marine fighter pilot. |
| 2026 Senate Race | Considered candidacy due to McConnell’s retirement. |
| Recent Political Activities | Active in fundraising through PACs; released a book about her experiences. |
FAQ
What office is Amy McGrath considering running for?
Amy McGrath is contemplating a run for the U.S. Senate in 2026.
What was McGrath’s fundraising total in the 2020 Senate race?
McGrath raised over $94 million in the 2020 Senate race, setting a historical record for combined campaign contributions.
Who else is running for the vacant Senate seat in Kentucky?
Other Democratic candidates running for the seat include Pam Stevenson, Logan Forsythe, and Joel Willett.
When was McConnell’s announcement regarding reelection?
Senator Mitch McConnell announced he would not seek reelection in 2026.
What book did McGrath release following her 2020 campaign?
She released a book titled “Honor Bound” discussing her military and political experiences.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Republican Candidates Shift Focus Away From Mitch McConnell
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: McGrath Considering Senate Run
- Wikipedia: Amy McGrath
- Free Beacon: McGrath Eyes Second Senate Run
- Google Search: Amy McGrath 2026 Senate run
- Rev.com: McConnell vs. McGrath Debate Transcript
- Google News: Kentucky Senate Race
- LEX18: McConnell’s Retirement Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Senate
- CNN: Kentucky Primary Amy McGrath
- Google Scholar: Amy McGrath 2020 Senate race
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