Daniel Cameron announces Senate bid following McConnell's retirement

Following Mitch McConnell's announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2026, former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron quickly declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. Cameron, who previously ran a close gubernatorial race against Andy Beshear, emphasized a need for 'a new generation of leadership' in his social media announcement. He served as McConnell's legal counsel and made history as the first Black attorney general in Kentucky. Other potential candidates for the Senate seat include Congressman Andy Barr, who has a well-funded campaign account, and businessman Nate Morris, who is positioning himself as a critic of the current Republican leadership. The open Senate seat marks a significant political shift, as Kentucky has not had such a race since 2010. McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader, intends to serve out the remainder of his term until January 2027.