Andy Barr surges into GOP polling lead in bid to replace McConnell

Published February 5, 2026 3:16pm ET



Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) has taken the lead for the first time in a Republican primary poll for Kentucky‘s Senate race, surpassing former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who has held the polling edge since December 2024.

Barr, Cameron, and businessman Nate Morris are facing off in a competitive GOP primary to see who will compete in the general election and likely replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY). The primary has gone without an endorsement from President Donald Trump as the three candidates seek to tie themselves to Trump’s agenda while distancing themselves from McConnell.

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