Among the three Kentucky Senate candidates running to fill retiring incumbent Mitch McConnell's (R-KY) seat, a recent Emerson poll showed Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06) held the lead at 28 percent, former KY Attorney General Daniel Cameron came in second at 21 percent, and businessman and MAGA stalwart Nate Morris was firmly in third place at 15 percent. On Friday, with less than 30 days before the May 19 primary election, President Donald Trump decided to make the Republican competition a two-man heat. Trump met with Morris and asked him to step down from the race to serve in his administration.
Morris did not consider this an insult. As he stated in his X post, when President Donald Trump calls, you answer.
When President Trump asks you to serve your nation, you answer the call.
— Nate Morris (@NateMorris) May 1, 2026
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. pic.twitter.com/VF9SbgVL1o
Which means Golden Tempo wasn't the only horse race winner this weekend. After providing that graceful exit to Morris, Trump endorsed Andy Barr for Senate.
Proven Political Winner Andy Barr is running for the United States Senate in the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky, a place I love and WON BIG, six times, including Primaries, in 2016, 2020, and 2024!
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! 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! Andy Barr is a Strong Supporter of TERMINATING THE FILIBUSTER, before the Democrats do it (which they will, on Day One, if they get control of the U.S. Senate!). He will do everything in his power to get it done. It is desperately needed by the Republican Party to pass the SAVE AMERICA ACT, and all other things necessary for a strong and brilliant Country! In the Senate, Andy will fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion the Interests of our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.
Andy is the only Candidate who will easily defeat the Democrat in what will be one of the most important Elections in American History. 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!
Dem Senate Hopeful Trips Over Her Own Answers in Painful CNN Interview
Barr lapped up Trump's endorsement like a dog mainlines water after a romp on a hot day:
Honored to have President Donald J. Trump’s complete and total endorsement! Let’s WIN BIG on May 19th! pic.twitter.com/r5iCw6TJdw
— Andy Barr (@barrforsenate) May 2, 2026
A plurality of voters (29 percent) are still undecided in this Senate competition. Trump's horse trading has moved the Republican part of the race to a two-man contest, so along with his endorsement of Barr, it could help prod those voters into a solid decision.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
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