LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Senator Mitch McConnell holds such prominence in Kentucky that state legislators approved placing his statue next to Abraham Lincoln in the state Capitol. The 84-year-old politician, who conquered polio in childhood, went on to become the Senate’s longest-tenured leader and played a key role in establishing a conservative Supreme Court majority.
However, those seeking to succeed the departing senator aren’t offering glowing praise of McConnell as they campaign for his seat.
Congressman Andy Barr and former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, both vying for the Republican nomination in Tuesday’s primary election, have strategically positioned themselves at a measured distance from the man they previously called a mentor.
This represents the final phase of a generational transformation within the Republican Party, as veteran leaders like McConnell exit the political arena while President Donald Trump continues reshaping the organization. Though many recognize that McConnell no longer aligns with contemporary “Make America Great Again” ideology, the senator retains significant influence and devoted supporters throughout Kentucky.
The contenders are navigating a “razor’s edge” between an establishment still faithful to the senator and “voters’ unhappiness with Mitch McConnell’s old-school Reagan-Bush era Republicans,” explained Stephen Voss, a political scientist at the University of Kentucky.
McConnell distanced himself from the president following the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, stating he contributed to inciting the violence. Recently, he has resisted several of Trump’s appointments, including Pete Hegseth for defense secretary and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary. He also pushed for ongoing military aid to Ukraine amid the Russian conflict.
Numerous Kentucky Republican officials acknowledge McConnell’s influence on their political trajectories. They reference the more than $65 billion his office claims he delivered to Kentucky, along with his efforts establishing GOP control in the state.
Some Republicans took offense when Nate Morris, a third primary contender, aired a commercial featuring a cardboard McConnell figure being discarded. Morris labeled Barr and Cameron as “McConnell’s boys.”
Appearing disconnected from Trump can prove damaging with Republican primary voters. However, the approach didn’t resonate with Shawnee State University student Landon Shaw, 21.
“He’s talking about how much he opposes McConnell,” Shaw observed, “he’s not talking about himself.”
The strategy seemingly failed with other voters as well. Morris trailed Cameron and Barr despite receiving $10 million in backing from Elon Musk. Two weeks prior, Trump offered him an unspecified diplomatic position and Morris withdrew from the contest.
While some goodwill exists toward McConnell, many Republicans desire new leadership.
“He did a great service for the United States, for Kentucky, but times are changing and we need to finally move on and thank him for his service,” stated Tony Quillen, 61, the property valuation administrator in Greenup County.
Cameron, who formerly served as McConnell’s legal counsel, tapped into voter dissatisfaction last year. He declared the senator was “flat out wrong” for opposing Hegseth, Kennedy and Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence in a social media video that essentially launched his candidacy.
He adopted a more moderate tone while speaking in a nearly empty banquet room following a recent Lincoln Day Dinner in Covington, Kentucky.
“If you talk to people, they acknowledge this is a change election and are ready for someone else to serve in that seat,” Cameron noted, “but they also don’t want you to kick a man when he’s on the way out. Call it the kindness or courteous nature of Kentuckians.”
Barr, who previously interned with McConnell, has indicated he wants an inclusive approach that welcomes McConnell-style Republicans, though he maintains a consistent campaign message regarding the senator.
“People have asked me,” Barr told attendees at a recent public library event, “are you a Mitch McConnell Republican or are you a Rand Paul Republican?” referring to Kentucky’s other senator.
“I am neither, I am an Andy Barr Republican,” he declared.
Trump endorsed Barr earlier this month. A Cameron campaign advisor responded with a statement highlighting Barr’s connection to the senator.
“Congrats to Mitch McConnell for getting his guy,” he commented.
Nevertheless, during one of their final pre-primary forums, both Cameron and Barr spoke positively about McConnell, based on reporting from The Paducah Sun, a local publication.
“A lot of dollars in resources have been secured here because of Sen. McConnell and we need somebody in Washington that’s going to maintain the responsibility,” Cameron stated.
Barr mentioned the state’s advancement under McConnell’s guidance. “It’s really important that Kentucky continues to do as Sen. McConnell said, to punch above its weight,” he remarked, emphasizing that he was his “own man.”
Voss, the politics professor, noted that the senator’s supporters understand the candidates’ challenging position.
“McConnell’s people are realistic enough to understand that the candidates need to distance themselves from McConnell,” he explained, “but that’s different than openly disrespecting or attacking him.”
