McGrath Wins KY Senate Primary, Will Challenge McConnell In November

RICHMOND, KENTUCKY - NOVEMBER 06: Amy McGrath address supporters after her loss during her Election Night Event at the EKU Center for the Arts on November 6, 2018 in Richmond, Kentucky. (Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images)
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Former Marine pilot Amy McGrath is projected to narrowly win the Kentucky Democratic Senate primary, beating progressive Charles Booker to challenge Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in the November election.

According to the Associated Press, McGrath had a nearly 9,500-vote advantage over Booker with 89% of precincts reporting Tuesday afternoon. MSNBC‘s Steve Kornacki reported that McGrath received 45% of the votes while Booker got 43%, with 93% of precincts reporting.

Although voting in the state ended on June 23, McGrath was declared the winner a week later due to the race’s tight margins and a surge of mail-in ballots. Kentucky switched to widespread absentee voting amid the coronavirus pandemic, requiring election officials to spend more days counting ballots.

McGrath gained the support of several establishment Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), making her an initial favorite in the race combined with a large fundraising advantage over Booker.

Booker, who was widely revered among progressive lawmakers and groups, mounted a tougher challenge than expected as his profile grew in light of highlighting police brutality protests against the deaths of African Americans.

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Notable Replies

  1. That’s what I expected. She had a huge advantage with early vote by mail ballots.

  2. Booker seems like a great guy with a bright future.

    Mcgrath can actually win in the fall. It’ll be a hard slog.

    I wish them both well.

  3. OT:

    Maybe this is how Trump’s staff is getting him to put a mask on? Pics would be great.

    THE LONE WARRIOR!

    — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 30, 2020
  4. I’ll have some of what you’re smoking. No way can she win. I’d be ecstatic if she does but KY electorate is turkeys voting for Thanksgiving.

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