President Donald Trump has formally endorsed Republican Representative Andy Barr in the Kentucky Senate primary in a post on Truth Social on Friday.
“Andy is the only Candidate who will easily defeat the Democrat in what will be one of the most important Elections in American History,” Trump said in the post in part.
The seat is held by retiring Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, and Trump said he asked rival GOP candidate Nate Morris to move aside for an ambassadorship, a move that has now reshaped the race weeks before the May 19 primary.
Why It Matters
As midterm elections approach, Democrats and Republicans are vying for control not only of the Senate but also of governors’ mansions and the House of Representatives. The GOP holds a narrow lead in the House, 217-212, and a 53-47 edge in the Senate.
What To Know
In his post, Trump said in part on Friday night that, “I know Andy well, and he is always a Vote we can count on because he knows what it takes to GET THINGS DONE and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
He later added, “He will help ensure Victory against these Radical Left, Country Destroying, THUGS. Andy Barr has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next United States Senator from Kentucky – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
In a previous post, Trump said he met with Republican candidate Nate Morris on Thursday and asked him to back out of the race. “I will be making an Endorsement for U.S. Senate in Kentucky shortly, but I’ve asked Nate to step aside from that Race to take a role in my Administration as an Ambassador. Nate is Oxford educated, tough as nails, LOVES our Great Nation, and will represent the United States very well, overseas, or otherwise. He has a great future in politics, or anything else he chooses to do. We will be announcing Nate’s new role soon,” Trump said in part in his post.
What Polls Show
A poll from Emerson College Polling/FOX56 Kentucky, conducted from March 29 to March 31, 2026, shows Barr at 28 percent, compared to Morris at 15 percent. Former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron landed 21 percent, while 6 percent said other and 29 percent are undecided.
The poll surveyed 549 likely Republican Kentucky primary voters and has a margin of error of 4.1 percent.
In a previous Emerson College Polling survey in February, Barr had 24 percent, Cameron had 21 percent and Morris landed 14 percent. The poll shows that 4 percent said other, and 38 percent were undecided.
That poll surveyed 523 likely Kentucky Republican primary voters from January 31 to February 2, 2026, and had a margin of error of 4.2 percent.
Another poll conducted by the firm OnMessage Inc. from January 5 to January 8, 2026, showed Cameron in the lead with 40 percent, compared to Barr’s 25 percent. Morris came in third with 13 percent, and 22 percent were undecided, the poll shows.
The poll surveyed 600 likely Kentucky Republican primary voters with a margin of error of 4 percent.
That poll was conducted on behalf of Kentucky First Action, which was aligned with Cameron.
Candidates React to Trump Endorsement
Taking to X, Morris reacted to Trump’s post saying, “When President Trump asks you to serve your nation, you answer the call. I am incredibly proud to be a part of the Trump Administration, representing Kentucky and America on the global stage and fighting for the America First agenda.”
In a follow-up post, he added, “I’m incredibly proud to join President Trump in endorsing @BarrForSenate. Like President Trump said, Andy knows what it takes to get things done and deliver BIG for the America First agenda. It’s time for all Kentuckians to rally behind our next Senator, Andy Barr!”
Barr then responded to Morris on X, saying, “.@NateMorris is an accomplished business leader and patriot who loves our commonwealth and our country. His passion for serving our fellow Kentuckians and his dedication to the MAGA movement made him a great candidate and will make him an incredible ambassador. I am grateful for Nate’s friendship and I look forward to continuing to work with him to do everything we can to make Kentucky, and America, even greater.”
The Kentucky lawmaker also said in a separate post, “Honored to have President Donald J. Trump’s complete and total endorsement! Let’s WIN BIG on May 19th!”
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