LOUISVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — Kentucky Rep. Charles Booker announced on Sunday that he will run for Democratic candidacy in the U.S. Senate race, in hopes of defeating Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in the general election.
Booker, who currently represents the 43rd district in the Kentucky House of Representatives, posted a video on his social media pages on Sunday afternoon.
In his video, Booker takes aim at McConnell right from the beginning. Booker said, "He doesn't need hope or faith, he has money and power. And the more power he's won in Washington, the more we've lost in Kentucky." Booker went on to say, "This man knows more than anybody how to work the system in Washington. He's the architect. But he's done nothing for Kentucky, because he's not your neighbor, he's not your brother. He's not even from here. "
But before taking on McConnell, Booker will have to beat former Marine Corps fighter pilot Amy McGrath in the primary. McGrath gained notoriety across the Commonwealth during her failed congressional bid against Andy Barr in 2018. She also has received the support of several nationally known party members including Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Booker told the Lexington Herald Leader, “It’s not going to be easy, but nothing worth standing for is easy.”
Booker is serving his first term in the Kentucky House after being elected in 2018.
He will likely be viewed as an underdog and one of the most progressive candidates in this race.
It’s official: I’m running for Senate to defeat Mitch McConnell.
This is a statement that we're taking our future back. It is a declaration that nothing will change unless we stand together and fight for it. Join our movement. Chip in: https://t.co/0jwsl8VSOu. pic.twitter.com/vDSeeHcnUt
— Charles Booker (@Booker4KY) January 5, 2020
