Club for Growth takes an early shot at Andy Barr ahead of 2026 Kentucky Senate race
Andy Barr isn’t even a declared U.S. Senate candidate, but a conservative Washington group has already tossed a shot across the bow, committing to oppose the Lexington congressman if he attempts to run for Mitch McConnell’s seat in 2026.
The Club for Growth is launching a 60-second ad attacking Barr for voting for spending and to raise the debt ceiling, as well as earmarking money for diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Kentucky.
The ad will run statewide on the Sunday political shows: Fox News Sunday, Meet the Press, This Week and Face the Nation, according to a Club for Growth spokesperson.
“Despite promising to bring fiscal responsibility to Washington, Andy Barr has voted to increase federal spending by trillions. Andy Barr would be a disaster in the Senate, and we will oppose his candidacy,” said David McIntosh, president of Club for Growth Action.
The Barr campaign noted that the Club for Growth had feuded with President Donald Trump in the past.
“It’s no surprise that the same people who spent millions attacking and lying about President Trump (“Club for No Growth”) are now telling lies about one of his biggest supporters, Andy Barr. No amount of lies from Swampy Special Interest groups will deter Andy Barr from fighting for President Trump’s America First Agenda and the people of Kentucky,” said Barr spokesman Tyler Staker.
“Instead of relying on dishonest political ads, Andy Barr’s critics should talk to the people who know him best — his constituents. They reelect him every two years because he’s a proven America First conservative, accessible, delivers unparalleled constituent services, and gets real results for hard-working Kentucky families,” Staker added.
While the Club for Growth’s PAC has not made an endorsement in the race, an aide to the group said that “Barr’s record is so bad that we will oppose his candidacy should he run.”
The Club endorsed potential Barr rival Daniel Cameron in his unsuccessful gubernatorial bid in 2023.
Barr is considered a likely Senate candidate if McConnell announces his retirement as expected.
Cameron and Lexington businessman Nate Morris are also seriously weighing candidacies, setting up a potential three-way GOP primary clash that could begin as early as this spring.
This story was originally published February 14, 2025 at 4:14 PM with the headline "Club for Growth takes an early shot at Andy Barr ahead of 2026 Kentucky Senate race."
