Kentucky Primaries: McGrath vs. Barr in Competitive 6th District Race
May 22, 2018 · 9:42 PM EDT
6th District (Andy Barr, R, re-elected 61%). Trump 55%. Retired Marine Lt. Col. Amy McGrath, who went viral among Democrats nationwide with her introductory video last year and raised more than $2 million through May 2, won the Democratic primary over Lexington Mayor Jim Gray. Gray defeated GOP Sen. Rand Paul 52-48 percent in the Lexington-based district, making him the original favorite to defeat Barr in a general election, especially given some Democratic concerns about McGrath’s campaign early on, specifically her burn rate. But strategists changed their tune in the last several weeks, noting improvements in McGrath’s campaign, and believed either candidate could win in November. Barr ($2.3 million) will be ready for a fight and the GOP-aligned Congressional Leadership Fund has reserved television ad time from Labor Day to Election Day. Rating: Lean Republican.