Endorsement List Discrepancies Emerge
In the competitive 2026 Republican Senate primary in Kentucky, Representative Andy Barr recently publicized endorsements from more than 100 House colleagues to demonstrate political strength. However, inquiries revealed inconsistencies with several listed supporters.
When contacted on Thursday, spokespeople for Representatives Randy Feenstra of Iowa and Tony Wied of Wisconsin stated they were not endorsing in the Kentucky race. Feenstra's office noted his focus remains on his gubernatorial campaign, while Wied's advisor highlighted that Barr's campaign initially misspelled Wied's name in the announcement.
Representative Darrell Issa of California commented that his endorsements typically involve formal letters, which he hadn't prepared for Barr at that time. "He leaned a little ahead of his skis on this," Issa remarked about being included on the list. Later that evening, Issa reversed course, texting that he would officially endorse Barr, though without explaining the change. He subsequently released a statement through his political director: "I've worked with Andy Barr for many years, I've seen what he delivers for Kentucky, and I'm pleased to endorse him for U.S. Senate."
Campaign Adjustments and Confirmations
Feenstra, Wied, and Issa were among 107 House members originally listed in Barr's December 16 release. Feenstra's name was removed from the list on Thursday following the clarification.
Barr's campaign later added eight more House members to the endorsement roster, claiming "more than half the House Republican conference" now backs his Senate bid. Spokesperson Alex Bellizzi stated, "Thank you for pointing out the change to the list," and provided additional names including Representatives Craig Goldman, Lloyd Smucker, and Laurel Lee.
Other lawmakers confirmed their support, such as Representative Bill Huizenga of Michigan, who praised Barr's legislative acumen. "I have operated and worked with Andy on both a personal and a professional level for well over a decade now," Huizenga said, adding, "I know he can work with the president, because I've seen him work with the president even through some very contentious issues."
Primary Dynamics and Political Context
Barr faces opponents including former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris for the GOP nomination to succeed retiring Senator Mitch McConnell. Barr positions himself as both an experienced legislator and a steadfast supporter of former President Donald Trump, contrasting with McConnell's occasional tensions with Trump.
Morris has emphasized his connections to Trump's base, including an endorsement from conservative activist Charlie Kirk before Kirk's death in September, and friendships with figures like Vice President JD Vance. Morris has characterized both Barr and Cameron as extensions of the McConnell establishment.
Early polls show Cameron leading the Republican primary field, followed by Barr and Morris. The Democratic candidates include former state Representative Charles Booker, Amy McGrath, and others.
Whoever secures the Republican nomination is expected to have a strong advantage in the general election, as Kentucky has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1992.
