Final Results in Kentucky Democratic Senate Primary Expected Today
By 270toWin Staff
June 30, 2020
Tuesday should bring a resolution to the highly competitive Democratic primary for Senate in Kentucky. Results from the state's two largest counties, Jefferson (Louisville) and Fayette (Lexington) will be released, along with any remaining absentee ballots, which had to be postmarked by June 23 (primary day) and received no later than June 27 to be counted. Complete election results are expected shortly after 6:00 PM ET.
Amy McGrath, a former fighter pilot, had long been the frontrunner in this race. However, Charles Booker, a state representative made a late run, staking out more progressive policy positions. The debate over racial injustice has also shaken up this primary: Breonna Taylor was killed by police in Louisville earlier this year. Booker, 35, is the youngest black lawmaker in the Kentucky House.
The pandemic caused the primary to be rescheduled from May 19, and turned it into a largely mail-in contest. While the delay helped Booker in that his campaign only caught fire in the closing weeks, the mail-in component likely helped McGrath as many cast their ballots earlier in the process.
The winner of the primary will have an uphill battle against GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who is seeking his 7th term.
There are a few U.S. House primaries that remain uncalled; those should be resolved today as well.
