Daniel Cameron, Kentucky’s first Black Attorney General, has announced his bid to succeed Mitch McConnell in the U.S. Senate, setting the stage for a new era in Kentucky’s Republican leadership.
At a Glance
- Daniel Cameron, former Kentucky Attorney General, is running for Mitch McConnell’s Senate seat
- McConnell, a seven-term senator since 1984, announced he won’t seek reelection
- Cameron’s campaign follows a controversial tenure as AG and a failed gubernatorial bid
- The race is expected to be a contentious Republican primary
- Kentucky’s strong Republican base ensures a fiercely fought contest
Cameron’s Senate Bid Announcement
Daniel Cameron, the former Kentucky Attorney General who made headlines for his handling of the Breonna Taylor case, has thrown his hat into the ring for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Mitch McConnell. Cameron’s announcement comes on the heels of McConnell’s decision not to seek reelection after serving seven terms since 1984.
“Kentucky, it’s time for a new generation of leadership in the U.S. Senate. Let’s do this,” Cameron said in his announcement.
Cameron’s bid for the Senate seat marks a significant moment in Kentucky’s political landscape. As the state’s first Black Attorney General and a protégé of McConnell, having served as his legal counsel, Cameron represents a potential shift in the state’s Republican leadership.
As long expected, Fmr KY AG and Gubernatorial Candidate Daniel Cameron has entered the race to succeed Mitch McConnell. https://t.co/fB77zsazJT
— Nathaniel Reed (@ReedReports) February 20, 2025
Cameron’s tenure as Attorney General was not without controversy. His office’s handling of the Breonna Taylor case, where two officers involved in the shooting were not indicted, drew national attention and criticism. This included a pointed Saturday Night Live performance that took aim at Cameron’s actions during the investigation.
Despite the backlash, Cameron has remained a prominent figure in Kentucky’s Republican circles. After an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2023, losing to Democrat Andy Beshear, Cameron took on the role of CEO at the 1792 Exchange, an organization focused on countering what it terms “woke capitalism.”
A Competitive Republican Primary
While Cameron is currently the only confirmed Republican candidate for the Senate seat, the primary is expected to be highly competitive. U.S. Rep. Andy Barr is reportedly considering entering the race, potentially setting up a clash between two high-profile Kentucky Republicans.
The race is already attracting attention from other potential candidates. Nate Morris, a Kentucky entrepreneur, also hinted at a possible run, stating, “If you’re asking for a permission slip to run for office here in Kentucky from Mitch McConnell, then you shouldn’t be running in the first place.”
The great patriot citizens of Kentucky deserve better! No Mitch, or Mitch acolytes… https://t.co/tKtMm2B4uq
— Steve Cortes (@CortesSteve) February 13, 2025
On the Democratic side, state Rep. Pamela Stevenson has announced her candidacy and is actively fundraising for her campaign. However, Governor Andy Beshear has confirmed he will not be running for the Senate seat, focusing instead on his current role.
While Kentucky has traditionally been a red state in federal elections, the gubernatorial races have shown more competitiveness. This dynamic sets the stage for an intriguing Senate race that could potentially reshape Kentucky’s political landscape.
