Lexington, Kentucky, January 1, 2026
Recent polling shows Democratic candidate Charles Booker is gaining ground against incumbent Republican Senator Rand Paul in the upcoming U.S. Senate election in Kentucky. Polling data reveals that Booker leads among Democratic contenders, holding 33% support, while 31% of voters remain undecided. This suggests a potentially competitive race ahead as candidates ramp up their outreach efforts. Booker’s previous bid in 2022 saw him securing 38.19% of the vote, indicating strong support that could translate into a closer contest in 2026.
Charles Booker Polls Close in Kentucky’s 2026 U.S. Senate Race
Lexington, Kentucky – Recent polling indicates that Democratic candidate Charles Booker is within striking distance of incumbent Republican Senator Rand Paul in the upcoming 2026 U.S. Senate election in Kentucky. This development suggests a potentially competitive race ahead.
Poll Findings
According to a Public Policy Polling survey conducted from October 17–18, 2025, among 590 likely voters, the results are as follows:
- Charles Booker (D): 33%
- Logan Forsythe (D): 2%
- Amy McGrath (D): 30%
- Pamela Stevenson (D): 3%
- Joel Willett (D): 1%
- Undecided: 31%
These figures suggest that while Booker leads among Democratic contenders, a significant portion of voters remain undecided, indicating a fluid race as the election approaches.
Background on Charles Booker
Charles Booker, a former state representative from Louisville, has previously run for the U.S. Senate. In the 2022 election, he faced Senator Rand Paul and secured 38.19% of the vote, while Paul received 61.80%. Despite the previous loss, Booker’s continued presence in Kentucky politics underscores his commitment to representing the state at the federal level.
Implications for the 2026 Election
The current polling data highlights the potential for a competitive race in 2026. With a substantial number of voters still undecided, the dynamics of the campaign could shift significantly as the election nears. Both candidates are expected to intensify their outreach efforts to sway the undecided electorate.
Conclusion
The latest polls indicate that Charles Booker is within striking distance of Senator Rand Paul in Kentucky’s 2026 U.S. Senate race. As the election approaches, the race is expected to become more competitive, with both candidates vying for the support of the undecided voters.
FAQ
What is the current polling data for the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Kentucky?
Recent polling indicates that Charles Booker leads among Democratic contenders with 33%, followed by Logan Forsythe at 2%, Amy McGrath at 30%, Pamela Stevenson at 3%, and Joel Willett at 1%. A significant 31% of voters remain undecided.
Who is Charles Booker?
Charles Booker is a former state representative from Louisville, Kentucky. He previously ran for the U.S. Senate in 2022, securing 38.19% of the vote against incumbent Senator Rand Paul, who received 61.80%.
What does this polling data suggest about the 2026 election?
The polling data suggests that the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Kentucky could be competitive, with a significant portion of voters still undecided. Both candidates are expected to intensify their campaigns to sway the undecided electorate.
Key Features of the 2026 U.S. Senate Race in Kentucky
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incumbent Senator | Rand Paul (R) |
| Leading Democratic Candidate | Charles Booker |
| Polling Data | Booker leads with 33%, Forsythe at 2%, McGrath at 30%, Stevenson at 3%, Willett at 1%, 31% undecided |
| Previous Election Results | 2022: Paul 61.80%, Booker 38.19% |
| Voter Sentiment | Significant portion of voters remain undecided, indicating a fluid race |
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