Multiple sources have reported Wednesday that Kentucky Democrat Charles Booker has announced a third bid for the U.S. Senate.
Booker left Governor Andy Beshear’s administration in September, and has since launched his campaign — hoping to fill the seat being vacated by the retirement of Republican stalwart Mitch McConnell.
In a recently-released new campaign video, Booker said his platform will focus on Medicare expansion, affordable housing, higher wages, lower utility bills and universal childcare.
He previously ran for Senate in 2020, losing the Democratic primary to Amy McGrath, and again in 2022, losing to Senator Rand Paul as the Democratic nominee.
McGrath is also running for this open 2026 seat, joining a crowded Democratic field that also includes Dale Romans, Logan Forsythe, Joel Willett and state Rep. Pamela Stevenson.
Republicans are mounting their own competitive primary, with U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, former Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris all campaigning for months.
Booker, a former state representative from Louisville, had been rumored as a possible contender for Louisville mayor — but ruled out that race in October.
The Kentucky Lantern, the Louisville Courier-Journal and the Lexington Herald-Leader are among those offering references for this report.
