Republican Senate candidate Daniel Cameron lavished praise Monday on Donald Trump and criticized his mentor Sen. Mitch McConnell, reflecting the president's dominance within the GOP and setting an early tone for what looks to be a competitive primary for a Kentucky Senate seat in 2026.

Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron pitched his bid for outgoing Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) Senate seat. McConnell, who was first elected in 1984, announced last week he would not run for another term.

Daniel Cameron is no stranger to Kentucky politics and is now seeking a larger stage in Washington, D.C. Just minutes after Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell announced he would not run for reelection, Cameron shared he plans to run for the open seat.

When President Trump endorsed Daniel Cameron for Governor, Daniel embarrassed the President and our party by losing in a state that President Trump won by over 30 points,” a Barr spokesperson wrote.

On X, Cameron said “it's time for a new generation of leadership” in Kentucky shortly after Mitch McConnell announced retirement.

Daniel Cameron, Kentucky's former attorney general, wasted no time announcing he plans to run for Sen. Mitch McConnell's seat after McConnell retires.

Fresh off the news that Rep. Andy Barr is eyeing a run for the seat currently held by Sen. Mitch McConnell, Kentucky’s former attorney general — once hailed as a “star” by President Donald Trump — told the Herald-Leader Monday night that he’s looking forward to serving in the U.S. Senate.

The former gubernatorial candidate came up short in 2023 but is widely seen as the GOP leader’s heir apparent.

Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron (R ) announced Thursday that he is launching a bid for the seat being vacated by longtime Sen. Mitch McConnell (R). “Kentucky, it’s time