Republican candidate Andy Barr emerged victorious following the bitter primary race to replace retiring Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell Tuesday night.
President Donald Trump notched another win after Barr, who he endorsed, defeated his Republican challengers and secured around 62% of the vote in the Kentucky Senate primary, according to NBC. Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron came in second place with around 29% of the vote as of publication. (RELATED: Democrat Primary Candidate Drops Out After Admitting Mail Theft)
“Andy is a proven conservative champion who puts Kentucky first,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman Tim Scott said in a statement. “He will make a great addition to our Senate Majority as we work to keep taxes low, protect our borders, and ensure America remains the greatest country on God’s green Earth.”
The MAGA base initially threw their support behind businessman Nate Morris, but he was later pressured by the president to drop out of the race and make way for Barr. The two sparred several times throughout the heated primary, with Morris accusing Barr of being a “McConnell puppet” and called him “Amnesty Andy,” referring to a Barr’s 2018 House vote on an immigration bill.
Despite this, Morris eventually dropped out after Trump promised him a role as ambassador in the administration, although the promise has yet to come to fruition.
LAWRENCEBURG, KY – OCTOBER 28: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) watches as U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) speaks to the press during a campaign stop on October 28, 2020 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. McConnell is running against Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Amy McGrath in next week’s general election. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
Shortly after asking Morris to step aside, Trump endorsed Barr, who he called a “Proven Political Winner.”
“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!” Trump said in a May Truth Social post. “I Endorsed Andy years ago, in his first Race, and all others, for Congress, and he never let me down — He is a 100% solid American Patriot!” (RELATED: Trump Endorses Ken Paxton For Texas GOP Senate Nominee)
Barr is now set to face off with the Democratic nominee on Nov. 3. Barr is expected to win the election, with Republicans holding the Senate seat for over two decades.