Democrat senatorial candidate Charles Booker comments on Election Day loss

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Republican Kentucky congressman Andy Barr defeated Democrat former State Rep. Charles Booker for the US Senate seat being vacated by Republican Mitch McConnell.

Barr secured 55% of the seat with 784,869 votes and Booker securing 42.9% with 612,357 votes.

Booker released this statement on Wednesday following his loss:

“Last night, Democrats notched record victories across the country, retaking control of both the House and Senate, with votes still being tallied and several races still in play. I couldn’t be prouder of the role Kentucky played in this historic night.”

“Over 100 counties shifted blue, 9 state legislative seats flipped, and a Democrat is now going to Congress for the 6th Congressional District.

“In 2024, President Trump won Kentucky by over 30 points. Last night, we slashed the Republican margin of victory to just 12, the slimmest in a Kentucky Senate race in over 15 years, despite our opponent outspending us 6 to 1.

“We may not have won, but we made significant gains and lifted up down-ballot candidates across the state. My general election team came together in the middle of August, and I could not be prouder of what our supporters and staff managed to accomplish in less than three months and with relatively minimal resources. We harnessed a movement of people who are ready to put Kentucky First and built a historically broad coalition across the political spectrum. That movement doesn’t end with this election. We’ll continue to fight to put people over politics and common sense over corruption.

“I’d also like to give a special thanks to everyone who has endorsed me. I’m proud to be the first political candidate in Kentucky to be endorsed by President Obama, and I’ll continue working to prove myself worthy of the faith that he and so many others placed in me.

“Last night saw a number of historically “solid red” states elect Democratic Senators. I congratulate my fellow candidates on their victories and look forward to the day when Kentucky is ready for such a change and joins forces with the likes of Texas, Kansas, Georgia, South Carolina, and so many others. I want the absolute best for our Commonwealth, and I pledge to keep fighting to secure a bright future for all Kentuckians.

“For every person who took a chance and lifted their voice, thank you. To every Republican, Democrat, and Independent who locked arms with me in this fight, thank you. For every vote, every prayer, every hug, every door knocked, every call/text/post, every dollar donated, and every word of love and encouragement, I thank you.

“Let’s keep going. I love y’all,” Booker said in a statement to his supporters.