Mitch McConnell was first elected to represent Kentucky in the United States Senate the year I was born. For my entire life, one man has been one of my state's two voices in the Senate. And in just a few weeks, Kentuckians will go to the polls and choose his successor.
The choice could not be clearer. Will they send Senator McConnell’s apprentice, and my opponent, Andy Barr, to perpetuate a status quo that has left Kentucky one of the poorest and sickest states in the nation, or will they send a leader to the upper chamber who will always put his state first? Recent events have made it clear that this is a moment for leadership that shows up, never backs down and puts Kentucky first every single day.
Earlier this year, Senator McConnell was absent for more than 90 days, leaving Kentuckians without adequate representation at a critical moment for our state and nation. As we grappled with new rounds of tariffs further straining Kentuckians’ wallets, the war with Iran sent the cost of gasoline, diesel and fertilizer skyrocketing. Kentuckians were left wondering who in Washington could help during this most trying time.
Barr has been in Congress for 14 years. In that time, he’s become nothing more than a rubber stamp for the policies that have left Kentuckians further behind, all while his own net worth has skyrocketed. Barr has said he fully supports President Donald Trump’s tariffs that have significantly worsened the affordability crisis for Kentucky’s working people, small businesses and family farmers, and Barr has refused to rein in the president over his illogical and endless war with Iran.
But none of that surprises me. Barr refuses to attend town halls, debate me more than once or have a real conversation about Kentucky’s future, and seems to spend most of his time in Washington, rooted in corruption more than in Kentucky. Do we think Barr would be any more accountable to the people of Kentucky than McConnell?
Kentuckians and Americans face a dire moment in our nation’s history, and McConnell and Barr's lack of leadership is stunning. No matter your race, class, background or political affiliation, ask yourself, as Americans and Kentuckians alike, what has changed for you? We know that things have only gotten worse.
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