“Daniel Cameron (R) is wasting no time in his run for U.S. Senate,” the Louisville Courier Journal reports.
The former Kentucky Attorney General has announced his bid to succeed retiring Senator Mitch McConnell in 2027. Cameron launched his campaign shortly after McConnell’s announcement that he would not seek reelection when his current term ends in early 2027.
“Cameron, who was the first Black attorney general in state history, came up under McConnell’s wing and has deep ties to the senator, who has emerged in recent years as a frequent foil to President Donald Trump, a fellow Republican.
Cameron would become Kentucky’s first Black U.S. senator if elected and is positioning himself as a new generation of leadership for the Republican Party. He previously worked as McConnell’s legal advisor and sees his Senate run as following in the footsteps of his former mentor. However, Cameron’s path to the Senate is not without challenges:
- Republican primary competition: Rep. Andy Barr and businessman Nate Morris have also expressed interest in running for the seat.
- No guarantees: Cameron’s loss in the 2023 gubernatorial race to Democrat Governor Andy Beshear has been cited by potential opponents as a weakness
- Trump factor: A potential endorsement from former President Donald Trump could significantly influence the primary outcome
While Cameron has announced his candidacy, the election is still nearly two years away. The political landscape may change, and other candidates may enter or exit the race before the 2026 election.
Yesterday, another Black Republican, Byron Donalds, also made the news. President Donald Trump announced his plans to endorse Donalds for the 2026 Florida governor’s race.
Observation: Given McConnell will likely be at odds with MAGA for the rest of his term, his backing may not carry as much weight as it would have a few years ago. And let’s face it, being a Black Republican in Kentucky won’t be to Cameron’s advantage. He lost the gubernatorial race to a White incumbent Democrat in a ruby-red state.
Is Kentucky ready for a Black U.S. Senator?