Andy Barr leads GOP pack in fundraising to succeed McConnell

Republican Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr is trouncing his GOP opponents in the state’s 2026 fundraising race.

Barr has roughly three times more cash on hand than former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris combined at the end of the third fundraising quarter, which runs from July to September. Barr reported nearly $6.7 million in the bank, followed by Morris at roughly $1 million and Cameron with less than $630,000.

The crowded race to succeed retiring Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell is expected to be one of the most expensive primaries of the midterms. The GOP candidate who advances to the general election could also be forced to raise significant sums against likely Democratic nominee Amy McGrath, who raised close to $100 million despite losing by roughly 20 percentage points during a failed run against McConnell in 2020.

Barr, a Lexington, based-lawmaker with endorsements from a slate of congressional Republicans and women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines, also led the field in fundraising during the third quarter. He raised $1.8 million while Morris clocked in at just over $1 million and Cameron brought in roughly $400,000.

President Donald Trump has yet to endorse a candidate in the primary contest.

Morris, who entered the race in late June, also reported a $3 million personal loan to his campaign during his debut quarter.

Spokespersons for Morris and Cameron did not immediately respond to the DCNF’s requests for comment.

Cameron’s poor fundraising numbers comes as he leads the field in early polling of the primary contest. The former prosecutor likely benefits from higher name recognition due to multiple prior statewide runs.

He came up short in a failed run against Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear in 2023 during which Cameron was attacked as being too conservative on abortion.

Barr’s campaign touted internal polling Wednesday showing a tightening race against Cameron while Morris trailed in single digits.

The survey of 600 GOP primary voters found that Cameron won 42% of the vote, followed by Barr who drew 25% support, and Morris, who registered 10% support. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points.

Cameron’s campaign released polling on Friday showing a similar result. He led the field with 39% support, followed by Barr who clocked in at 22% support and Morris at 8% support.

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