{{Short description|none}} {{distinguish|2020 Kentucky Senate election}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}} {{use American English|date=November 2020}} {{Infobox election | election_name = 2020 United States Senate election in Kentucky | country = Kentucky | type = presidential | ongoing = no | previous_election = 2014 United States Senate election in Kentucky | previous_year = 2014 | next_election = 2026 United States Senate election in Kentucky | next_year = 2026 | election_date = November 3, 2020 | image_size = x150px | image1 = Mitch McConnell portrait 2016.jpg | nominee1 = '''Mitch McConnell''' | party1 = Republican Party (United States) | popular_vote1 = '''1,233,315''' | percentage1 = '''57.76%''' | image2 = File:Amy McGrath (2019).jpg | nominee2 = Amy McGrath | party2 = Democratic Party (US) | popular_vote2 = 816,257 | percentage2 = 38.23% | map_image = {{switcher |300px |County results |300px |Congressional district results |300px |Precinct results |}} | map_size = 300px | map_caption = '''McConnell:''' {{legend0|#FFB2B2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}} {{legend0|#D75D5D|60–70%}} {{legend0|#D72F30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#C21B18|80–90%}} {{legend0|#A80000|>90%}}<br /> '''McGrath:''' {{legend0|#A5B0FF|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996E2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674DE|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584CDE|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933E5|80–90%}} {{legend0|#0D0596|>90%}}<br />'''Tie:''' {{legend0|#D2B1D9|40–50%}} {{legend0|#ae8bb1|50%}} {{legend0|#808080|No data}} | title = U.S. Senator | before_election = Mitch McConnell | before_party = Republican Party (United States) | after_election = Mitch McConnell | after_party = Republican Party (United States) | turnout = 59.7% {{gain}} }}

{{Elections in Kentucky}}

The '''2020 United States Senate election in Kentucky''' was held on November 3, 2020. Incumbent Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, who had been Senate majority leader since 2015 and had represented Kentucky in the Senate since 1985, won reelection to a seventh term in office. He faced off against former U.S. Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath and Libertarian Brad Barron.

The Democratic and Republican primaries took place on June 23, 2020. As the primaries neared, the president of the National Bar Association accused officials of carrying out voter suppression. Compared to typical numbers of 3,700, the number of polling stations was reduced to 200 with only one in Louisville.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/kentucky-voter-suppression-georgia/|title=Charles Booker is determined to fight voter suppression in Kentucky|first=John|last=Nichols|publisher=The Nation|date=2020-06-22|access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref> Because a large number of voters voted by mail, absentee ballots were not counted until June 30. In the primary, over 937,000 people requested absentee ballots or voted early; this figure was far greater than usual.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/10/10/more-than-658000-people-asked-for-absentee-ballots-for-2020-presidential-election/5942476002/|title=Kentucky sees fewer absentee ballot requests for general election than in the primary|first=Ben|last=Tobin|website=The Courier-Journal}}</ref>

Despite being outraised by tens of millions of dollars by McGrath, McConnell defeated McGrath by nearly 20 percentage points.

==Republican primary==

===Candidates===

====Nominee==== * Mitch McConnell, incumbent U.S. senator and Senate majority leader<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article213094359.html/|title=Mitch McConnell to Kentucky Gov. Bevin: Stay home and run for re-election|work=Miami Herald|first1=Lesley|last1=Clark|first2=Daniel|last2=Desrochers|date=June 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/1c57404aaea9427fba5478dd61f5a801|title=McConnell announces re-elect campaign at Fancy Farm picnic|work=AP News|first=Adam|last=Beam|date=August 4, 2018}}</ref>

====Eliminated in primary==== * Nicholas Alsager<ref name="wdrb"/> * Paul John Frangedakis, chiropractor<ref name="wdrb"/> ''(switched to independent write-in candidacy after losing primary)''<ref name=generalelectionlist/> * Louis Grider, truck driver<ref name="wdrb"/> * Neren James<ref name="wdrb"/> * Kenneth Lowndes<ref name="wdrb"/> * C. Wesley Morgan, former state representative<ref name="Morgan">{{cite news |last1=Brammer |first1=Jack |title=Former Kentucky lawmaker challenging Mitch McConnell in GOP primary for U.S. Senate |url=https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article230935263.html |access-date=May 31, 2019 |work=Lexington Herald Leader |date=May 29, 2019}}</ref>

====Withdrawn==== * Wendell K. Crow, businessman and entrepreneur<ref name="wdrb">{{cite web|url=https://www.wdrb.com/news/senate-majority-leader-mitch-mcconnell-just-got-two-more-primary/article_18e3efd2-2201-11ea-b2fc-a74f0ffbe713.html|title=Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell just got two more primary opponents|website=wdrb.com|date=December 18, 2019 }}</ref><ref name=secofstate>{{cite web |access-date=June 2, 2020 |date=June 2, 2020 |work=Kentucky Secretary of State |url=https://web.sos.ky.gov/electionmall/default.aspx?id=3 |title=Candidate Filings with the Office of the Secretary of State |archive-date=May 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523214628/https://web.sos.ky.gov/electionmall/default.aspx?id=3 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''(remained on ballot)'' * Karl Das<ref name=daselliott/><ref name=secofstate/>

===Results=== thumb|300px|Results by county: {{legend|#800000|McConnell—>90%}} {{legend|#aa0000|McConnell—80–90%}} {{legend|#d40000|McConnell—70–80%}} {{Election box begin no change | title = Republican primary results<ref name="KYsosr">{{cite web |title=2020 Primary Election – Certified Election Results |url=https://elect.ky.gov/results/2020-2029/Documents/2020%20Primary%20Election%20Results.pdf |website=Commonwealth of Kentucky – State Board of Elections |access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Mitch McConnell (incumbent) | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 342,660 | percentage = 82.80% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = C. Wesley Morgan | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 25,588 | percentage = 6.18% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Louis Grider | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 13,771 | percentage = 3.33% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Paul John Frangedakis | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 11,957 | percentage = 2.89% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Neren James | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 10,693 | percentage = 2.58% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Kenneth Lowndes | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 5,548 | percentage = 1.34% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Nicholas Alsager | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 3,603 | percentage = 0.87% }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 413,820 | percentage = 100.0% }} {{Election box end}}

==Democratic primary== ===Candidates=== ====Nominee==== * Amy McGrath, former U.S. Marine fighter pilot and 2018 Democratic nominee for Kentucky's 6th congressional district<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article232418242.html |title=Amy McGrath launches campaign for U.S. Senate, paints a target on Mitch McConnell |work=Lexington Herald Leader |first=Daniel|last=Desrochers|date=July 9, 2019 |access-date=November 8, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2020/6/30/21301591/amy-mcgrath-kentucky-senate-primary-mcconnell|website=Vox|title=Amy McGrath just won her unexpectedly close Kentucky Senate primary|first=Ella|last=Nilsen|date=June 30, 2020}}</ref>

====Eliminated in primary==== * Charles Booker, state representative<ref>{{cite news |last1=Desrochers |first1=Daniel |title=Kentucky lawmaker Charles Booker launches bid to unseat Mitch McConnell in 2020 |url=https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article238980863.html |access-date=January 5, 2020 |work=Lexington Herald Leader |date=January 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2020/01/05/democrat-charles-booker-decides-2020-us-senate-bid/2794647001/|title=Democrat Charles Booker is running for US Senate in 2020|first=Phillip M.|last=Bailey|website=The Courier-Journal}}</ref> * Mike Broihier, farmer, educator, and former Marine<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bailey |first1=Phillip |title=Kentucky farmer, retired Marine wants to challenge Mitch McConnell in 2020 US Senate race |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2019/07/18/democrat-mike-broihier-wants-to-challenge-mitch-mcconnell-in-2020-us-senate-race/1743571001/ |website=The Courier-Journal |date=July 18, 2019}}</ref> * Maggie Joe Hilliard<ref name="wdrb"/> * Andrew Maynard<ref name="wdrb" /> * Eric Rothmuller, small business owner<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ericrothmuller.com/|title=Eric Rothmuller for U.S. Senate 2020 – Kentucky – Ditch Mitch & Take Back Your Senate|access-date=January 21, 2020|archive-date=January 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127015644/https://ericrothmuller.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref> * John R. Sharpensteen<ref name="wdrb"/> * Bennie J. Smith, local business owner<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://benniejsmith.com/|title=Bennie J Smith for Senate (D-KY) – Home|website=benniejsmith.com|access-date=October 1, 2020|archive-date=September 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924151015/https://www.benniejsmith.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Mary Ann Tobin, former Auditor of Kentucky<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cooney |first1=Lynnette |title=See who filed to run on the 2020 Kentucky ballot |url=https://www.wymt.com/content/news/See-who-filed-to-run-on-the-2020-Kentucky-ballot-566889761.html |website=www.wymt.com |publisher=WYMT {{!}} Mountain News |date=January 10, 2020}}</ref>

====Withdrawn==== * Jimmy Ausbrooks, mental health counselor<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jimmyausbrooks.com/about/|title=About the Candidate: Jimmy Ausbrooks – Jimmy Ausbrooks For Kentucky 2020 US Senate|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420232656/https://jimmyausbrooks.com/about/|url-status=dead}}</ref> (endorsed Mike Broihier)<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Jimmy Ausbrooks For Kentucky|user=jimmy4congress|number=1266373010522431488|date=May 29, 2020|title=I welcome all my supporter to join me in supporting @MikeForKY for the Democratic nomination and together we will #BeTheChange Kentucky deserves!|access-date=May 29, 2020}}</ref> ''(remained on ballot)'' * Steven Cox, registered pharmacy technician<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://coxforus.com/|title=Home|website=Steve Cox for US Senate|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205004452/https://coxforus.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref> (endorsed Charles Booker)<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Steve Cox-KY.US.Sen.Candidate|user=StevenCoxUSA|number=1215990346468950016|date=January 11, 2020|title=I'm out of this race. I cant thank those that supported me enough. I love you all & this great state. I'll keep fighting. Mitch is done. Please everyone support Charles Booker. He is the only progressive hope left in this race. https://youtu.be/-6zgaujqwo8 via @YouTube|access-date=January 11, 2020}}</ref> * Joshua Paul Edwards<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegreenpapers.com/Log/19Q4 |work=The Green Papers |access-date=May 15, 2020 |date=November 27, 2019 |title=17 changes to the candidate list. 2020 Delegate Selection Update: District of Columbia Republican}}</ref><ref name=secofstate/> * Kevin Elliott, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Murray State University<ref name=daselliott>{{cite news |url=https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/McGrath-to-challenge-Sen-McConnell-in-2020-512460422.html |access-date=May 15, 2020 |date=July 9, 2019 |work=WKYT |title=McGrath running for Senate, hopes to challenge Sen. McConnell in 2020}}</ref><ref name=secofstate/> * Dr. Loretta Babalmoradi Noble<ref>{{cite web |work=FEC |access-date=May 15, 2020 |title=FILING FEC-1347619 |url=https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/C00715599/1347619/}}</ref><ref name=secofstate/>

====Declined==== * Rocky Adkins, former minority leader of the Kentucky House of Representatives and candidate for Governor of Kentucky in 2019<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article237959839.html|title=Rocky Adkins passes on U.S. Senate bid and takes job in Andy Beshear's administration|last=Desrochers|first=Daniel|date=December 2, 2019|website=Kentucky.com|access-date=January 13, 2020}}</ref> * Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky, former attorney general of Kentucky, and son of former governor Steve Beshear<ref name="tds">{{cite news|last1=Green|first1=J.P.|title=Can McConnell Be Defeated in 2020?|url=https://thedemocraticstrategist.org/2019/03/can-mcconnell-be-defeated-in-2020/|access-date=May 13, 2019|publisher=The Democratic Strategist|date=March 20, 2019|archive-date=May 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514043907/https://thedemocraticstrategist.org/2019/03/can-mcconnell-be-defeated-in-2020/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/357f0e6196414923acee9ee7aebdf8b8|title=Beshear set for 'next chapter' as Bevin concedes in Kentucky|date=November 14, 2019|website=AP News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/matt-bevin-concedes-defeat-in-kentucky-governors-race/2019/11/14/42fc0ea7-2d26-4f87-9856-07f6c701ad7b_video.html|title=Matt Bevin concedes defeat in Kentucky governor's race|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> * Steve Beshear, former governor of Kentucky and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 1996<ref name="tds"/> * Jack Conway, former attorney general of Kentucky, nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2010, nominee for Governor of Kentucky in 2015<ref name="tds"/> * Adam Edelen, former state auditor and candidate for Governor of Kentucky in 2019<ref name="tds"/> * Greg Fischer, Mayor of Louisville<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bailey|first1=Phillip M.|title=Amy McGrath vs Mitch McConnell in 2020? Group launches campaign to 'draft' her|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2019/03/12/amy-mcgrath-vs-mitch-mcconnell-group-launches-campaign-draft-her/3131763002/|newspaper=The Courier-Journal|date=March 12, 2019|access-date=March 14, 2019}}</ref> * Jim Gray, Secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, former mayor of Lexington and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2016<ref name="Wishlist">{{cite web |last1=Singiser |first1=Steve |title=Here's our ultimate Democratic wishlist for Senate in 2020. Who's on yours? |url=https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/2/17/1832410/-Here-s-our-ultimate-Democratic-wishlist-for-Senate-in-2020-Who-s-on-yours |website=Daily Kos |access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref> * Alison Lundergan Grimes, former secretary of state of Kentucky and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2014<ref name="tds"/> ''(endorsed Booker)'' * Matt Jones, attorney, media personality, and restaurateur ''(had formed an exploratory committee beforehand, endorsed Booker)''<ref>{{cite web |work=FEC |url=https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00718908/ |access-date=May 17, 2020 |title=MATT JONES FOR KENTUCKY EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/11/15/matt-jones-potential-mcconnell-opponent-says-he-will-not-run-senate/|title=Matt Jones, potential McConnell opponent, says he will not run for Senate|last=Strauss|first=Ben|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=November 16, 2019}}</ref>

===Campaign=== There were debates on March 5, 2020<ref name="cj-deb">{{Cite news |last=Ramsey |first=Mary |date=2020-03-05 |title=Kentucky's Democratic Senate candidates face off in Indivisible candidate forum |language=en-US |work=Courier Journal |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/elections/kentucky/2020/03/05/kentucky-senate-race-mcgrath-other-mcconnell-challengers-forum/4967060002/ |access-date=2020-07-05}}</ref><ref name="wfpi">{{Cite news |date=2020-03-05 |title=WATCH LIVE: Ky. Democratic Senate Candidates Debate In Newport |language=en-US |url=https://wfpl.org/watch-live-kentucky-democratic-senate-candidates-debate-in-newport/ |work=WFPL |access-date=2020-06-19}}</ref> and June 1, 2020.<ref name="wsun">{{Cite news |last=Gershon |first=Aaron, and Al Cross |date=2020-06-02 |title=McGrath takes on Booker and Broihier in only scheduled Democratic U.S. Senate debate |work=Winchester Sun |url=https://www.winchestersun.com/2020/06/02/mcgrath-takes-on-booker-and-broihier-in-only-scheduled-democratic-u-s-senate-debate/ |access-date=2020-06-19}}</ref><ref name="ket-deb">{{Cite news |title=2020 Primary Election Candidates, Part Two |language=en-US |work=Kentucky Educational Television – KET/PBS |url=https://www.ket.org/program/kentucky-tonight/2020-primary-election-candidates-part-two |access-date=2020-07-05}}</ref>

====Polling==== {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;text-align:center;" |- valign=bottom ! Poll source ! Date(s)<br />administered ! Sample<br />size{{efn|name=Key}} ! Margin<br />of error ! style="width:100px;"| Charles<br />Booker ! style="width:100px;"| Amy<br />McGrath ! Other ! Undecided |- |style="text-align:left;"|Data for Progress<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://filesforprogress.org/datasets/2020/6/ky/dfp_ky_primary.pdf|title=Data for Progress}}</ref>{{efn-ua|name=late|Poll released after the primary in July}} |June 10–22, 2020 | 556 (LV) |– |43% |{{party shading/Democratic}}|'''46%''' |– |10% |- |style="text-align:left;"|Garin-Hart-Yang<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000170-7541-da94-a9f2-ff6364500000|title=Garin-Hart-Yang}}</ref>{{efn-ua|name=mcgrathpoll|Poll sponsored by McGrath's campaign}} |June 16–18, 2020 |– |– |32% |{{party shading/Democratic}}|'''42%''' |– |– |- |style="text-align:left;"|Civiqs/Data for Progress<ref name="Civiqs/Data for Progress">{{Cite web|url=http://filesforprogress.org/datasets/2020/6/ky/Civiqs_DataforProgress_KY_banner_book_2020_06.pdf|title=Civiqs/Data for Progress}}</ref> |June 13–15, 2020 | 421 (LV) |± 5.5% |{{party shading/Democratic}}|'''44%''' |36% |9%{{efn|Broihier and "someone else" with 4%; Tobin with 1%}} |11% |- |style="text-align:left;"|YouGov Blue/MVMT Communications<ref>[https://bookerforkentucky.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Booker-Internal-2020-06-13.pdf YouGov Blue/MVMT Communications]</ref>{{efn-ua|name=bookerpoll|Poll sponsored by Booker's campaign}} |June 8–12, 2020 |313 (RV) |± 7.0% |39% |{{party shading/Democratic}}|'''49%''' |6%{{efn|Broihier with 5%; other with 1%}} |3% |- |style="text-align:left;"|YouGov Blue/MVMT Communications<ref name="YouGov Blue/MVMT Communications">{{Cite web|url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EabmZsfXQAUL-b3?format=jpg&name=medium|title=Wayback Machine|website=pbs.twimg.com}}</ref>{{efn-ua|name=bookerpoll}} |May 2020 | –{{efn|name=nyr|Not yet released}} | – |13% |{{party shading/Democratic}}|'''62%''' | – | – |- |style="text-align:left;"|YouGov Blue/MVMT Communications<ref name="YouGov Blue/MVMT Communications"/>{{efn-ua|name=bookerpoll}} |April 2020 | –{{efn|name=nyr}} | – |11% |{{party shading/Democratic}}|'''62%''' | – | – |- |style="text-align:left;"|YouGov Blue/MVMT Communications<ref name="YouGov Blue/MVMT Communications"/>{{efn-ua|name=bookerpoll}} |January 2020 | –{{efn|name=nyr}} | – |7% |{{party shading/Democratic}}|'''65%''' | – | – |}

===Endorsements=== {{Endorsements box | title = Charles Booker | list = '''U.S. senators''' * Jesse Jackson Sr., D.C. (1991–1997)<ref>{{cite web|url= https://courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2020/06/22/rev-jesse-jackson-endorses-charles-booker-senate-kentucky-primary/3235040001/|title=The Rev. Jesse Jackson backs Charles Booker ahead of Tuesday's Kentucky primary|first=Lucas|last=Aulbach|website=Courier Journal|date=June 22, 2020|access-date=June 22, 2020}}</ref> * Bernie Sanders, Vermont (2007–present)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/elections/kentucky/2020/06/09/bernie-sanders-endorses-charles-booker-kentucky-senate-primary/5326417002/|title=Bernie Sanders, AOC endorse Charles Booker in Kentucky's US Senate primary|first=Billy|last=Kobin|website=The Courier-Journal}}</ref>

'''U.S. representatives''' * Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, NY-14 (2019–present)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/06/amy-mcgraths-senate-campaign-is-in-real-trouble.html|title=Things Are Not Going Well for Amy McGrath|website=New York Intelligencer|last1=Jones|first1=Sarah|date=June 16, 2020|accessdate=December 2, 2021}}</ref>

'''Statewide officials''' * Alison Lundergan Grimes, former secretary of state of Kentucky (2012–2020) and Democratic nominee for this seat in 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/senate-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-kentucky-racial-injustice-louisville-9d6a823a52252b3b1a394bd4f9e694a9|title=Grimes endorses Booker in Democratic Senate race in Kentucky|date=June 16, 2020|last=Schreiner|first=Bruce|website=Associated Press|access-date=March 17, 2021}}</ref>

;State legislators * Gerald Neal, state senator from the 33rd district (1989–present)<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://forwardky.com/endorsement-news-charles-booker-alexandra-owensby/|title=Endorsement news: Charles Booker, Alexandra Owensby|author=Forward Kentucky|via=Forward Kentucky|date=June 5, 2020|access-date=June 9, 2020}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> * Reggie Thomas, state senator from the 13th district (2014–present)<ref name="auto"/>

'''Individuals''' * Nick Offerman, actor{{citation needed|date=October 2025}}

'''Labor unions''' * Association of Flight Attendants<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afacwa.org/flight_attendants_union_endorses_charles_booker_senate_kentucky|title=Flight Attendants Union Endorses Charles Booker for United States Senate in Kentucky|author=AFA|via=AFA News Release|date=June 8, 2020|access-date=June 9, 2020}}</ref> * National Nurses United<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/national-nurses-united-endorses-charles-booker-us-senate|title=National Nurses United Endorses Charles Booker for U.S. Senate|website=National Nurses United|date=June 19, 2020|access-date=June 20, 2020}}</ref> '''Organizations''' * Democracy for America<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/17/charles-booker-endorsements-kentucky-326536|title=Endorsements roll in for Charles Booker in Kentucky|website=Politico|date=June 17, 2020|access-date=June 18, 2020}}</ref> * Friends of the Earth Action<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://foeaction.org/news/friends-earth-action-endorses-charles-booker-progressive-democrat-running-u-s-senate-ky/|title=Friends of the Earth Action endorses Charles Booker, progressive Democrat running for U.S. Senate (KY)|website=FOE|access-date=May 28, 2020}}</ref> * Indivisible movement<ref name="auto1"/> * Kentuckians for the Commonwealth<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kftc.org/press/releases/kftc%E2%80%99s-new-power-pac-endorses-charles-booker-democratic-primary-us-senate|title=KFTC's New Power PAC endorses Charles Booker in Democratic primary for U.S. Senate|publisher=KFTC|date=February 27, 2020|access-date=June 9, 2020}}</ref> * MoveOn<ref name="auto1"/> ;Political parties * Working Families Party<ref name="auto1"/> '''Newspapers''' * ''Lexington Herald-Leader''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Editorial Board |first1=Herald-Leader |title=Passion over pragmatism. Charles Booker gets our endorsement in U.S. Senate primary|url=https://www.kentucky.com/opinion/editorials/article243084106.html|website=Lexington Herald-Leader |date=June 9, 2020}}</ref> * ''Louisville Courier-Journal''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Editorial Board |first1=Courier-Journal |title='Change agent' Charles Booker is best Democratic candidate in Kentucky Senate race|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/editorials/2020/06/10/courier-journal-endorsement-booker-best-democrat-face-mcconnell/5334027002/|website=Louisville Courier-Journal|date=June 10, 2020}}</ref> }} {{Endorsements box | title = Mike Broihier | list = '''State legislators''' * Richard Ojeda, state senator from West Virginia's 7th district (2016–2019)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westkentuckystar.com/News/State/Kentucky/Ojeda-Endorses-Broihier-in-Primary-Challenge.aspx |title=Ojeda Endorses Broihier in Primary Challenge |date=June 2, 2020|access-date=June 9, 2020|website=westkentuckystar.com}}</ref> '''Individuals''' * Marianne Williamson, author and 2020 presidential candidate<ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Broihier is the one to beat Mitch McConnell. Help him do it! |url=https://twitter.com/marwilliamson/status/1270139001853186048 |website=Twitter.com |publisher=Marianne Williamson |access-date=7 December 2021 |date=8 June 2020}}</ref> * Andrew Yang, entrepreneur and 2020 presidential candidate<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/how-kentucky-farmer-running-unseat-mitch-mcconnell-earned-andrew-yangs-endorsement-1507129|title=How a Kentucky Farmer Running to Unseat Mitch McConnell Earned Andrew Yang's Endorsement |access-date=June 9, 2020|date=May 28, 2020|first1=Alexandria|last1=Hutzer |work=Newsweek}}</ref> * Wendell Berry, author<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.wymt.com/2020/06/16/democratic-senate-candidates-pick-up-key-endorsements-as-june-23rd-primary-nears/ |title= Democratic senate candidates pick up key endorsements as June 23rd primary nears|website = WYMT-TV|date= June 16, 2020|access-date = July 25, 2025}}</ref> '''Organizations''' * Indivisible Kentucky<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wfpl.org/indivisible-kentucky-endorses-mike-broihier-in-senate-race/|title=Indivisible Kentucky Endorses Mike Broihier in Senate Race|date=May 4, 2020}}</ref> }} {{Endorsements box | title = Amy McGrath | list = '''Organizations''' * Council for a Livable World<ref name="Council for a Livable World endorsement">{{cite web|title=Amy McGrath for Senate (D-KY) – Council for a Livable World|url=https://livableworld.org/meet-the-candidates/senate-candidates/amy-mcgrath-for-senate-d-ky/|website=Council for a Livable World}}</ref> * DSCC<ref name="DSCC endorsement">{{cite web|title=DSCC Endorses McGrath in race Against McConnell|url=https://apple.news/ABgYUM2yeTOOI1lH_y1w0DA|website=The Hill}}</ref> * Feminist Majority PAC<ref name="Feminist Majority PAC endorsement">{{cite web|url=https://feministmajoritypac.org/endorsements/2020/|title=2020 – Feminist Majority PAC|website=feministmajoritypac.org}}</ref> * Giffords<ref name="Giffords endorsement">{{cite web |title=Giffords Endorses Amy McGrath in her Bid to Take On Mitch McConnell|url=https://giffords.org/press-release/2020/04/amy-mcgrath-endorsement-2/ |website=Giffords|date=April 16, 2020 }}</ref> * JStreet PAC<ref name="J Street PAC endorsement">{{cite web |title=JStreetPAC Candidates |url=https://donate.jstreetpac.org/candidate-directory/ |website=JStreetPAC |access-date=February 2, 2020 |archive-date=May 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502152638/https://donate.jstreetpac.org/candidate-directory/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> * VoteVets<ref name="VoteVets.org endorsement">{{cite web |title=Candidates|url=https://www.votevets.org/candidates|website=VoteVets.org}}</ref> }}

===Results=== thumb|300px|Results by county: {{legend|#6674deff|McGrath—60–70%}} {{legend|#7996e2ff|McGrath—50–60%}} {{legend|#a5b0ffff|McGrath—40–50%}} {{legend|#78e478ff|Booker—40–50%}} {{legend|#5bc75bff|Booker—50–60%}} {{Election box begin no change | title = Democratic primary results<ref name="KYsosr"/> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Amy McGrath | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 247,037 | percentage = 45.41% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Charles Booker | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 231,888 | percentage = 42.62% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Mike Broihier | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 27,175 | percentage = 4.99% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Mary Ann Tobin | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 11,108 | percentage = 2.04% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Maggie Joe Hilliard | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 6,224 | percentage = 1.14% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Andrew Maynard | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 5,974 | percentage = 1.10% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Bennie J. Smith | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 5,040 | percentage = 0.93% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Jimmy Ausbrooks (withdrawn) | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 3,629 | percentage = 0.67% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Eric Rothmuller | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 2,995 | percentage = 0.55% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = John R. Sharpensteen | party = Democratic Party (United States) | votes = 2,992 | percentage = 0.55% }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 544,062 | percentage = 100.0% }} {{Election box end}}

==Other candidates== ===Libertarian primary=== The Libertarian Party of Kentucky did not qualify to nominate through the taxpayer-funded primary and held its own privately operated primary on March 8, 2020. Anyone registered Libertarian in the state of Kentucky as of January 1, 2020, could participate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lpky.org/kb/convention-participation-guidelines/|title=LPKY Convention Participation Guidelines |work= Libertarian Party of Kentucky}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lpky.org/event/2020-lp-kentucky-annual-convention-2020-03-07/|title=2020 LP Kentucky Annual Convention|access-date=March 4, 2020|archive-date=March 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304014001/https://lpky.org/event/2020-lp-kentucky-annual-convention-2020-03-07/|url-status=dead}}</ref> All candidates of the Libertarian Party of Kentucky must defeat None Of The Above (NOTA) to obtain the nomination.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lpky.org/about/governance/|title=The Libertarian Party of Kentucky Constitution|website=Libertarian Party of Kentucky}}</ref>

====Nominee==== * Brad Barron, farmer and entrepreneur<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bradbarron2020.com/|title=Brad Barron 2020 US Senate|website=Brad Barron 2020 US Senate|access-date=March 4, 2020|archive-date=January 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127015653/https://www.bradbarron2020.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Reform Party=== ====Withdrawn==== * Derek Leonard Petteys<ref>{{cite web |access-date=May 15, 2020 |url=https://kysenator2020.com/ |title=Derek Petteys Reform Party for Senate |archive-date=May 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527033825/https://kysenator2020.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=secofstate/>

===Independents=== ====Declared==== * Daniel Cobble ''(as a write-in candidate)''<ref name=generalelectionlist/> * Harold H. Fitzpatrick ''(as a write-in candidate)''<ref name=generalelectionlist/> * Paul John Frangedakis ''(as a write-in candidate)'' ''(switched from Republican candidacy after losing primary)''<ref name=generalelectionlist/> * Randall Lee Teegarden ''(as a write-in candidate)''<ref name=generalelectionlist>{{cite web |access-date=October 12, 2020 |date=September 21, 2020 |work=Kentucky Secretary of State |url=https://web.sos.ky.gov/electionmall/default.aspx?id=3 |title=Candidate Filings with the Office of the Secretary of State |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010183700/https://web.sos.ky.gov/electionmall/default.aspx?id=3 |url-status=dead }}</ref> * Demetra Wysinger ''(as a write-in candidate)''<ref name=generalelectionlist/>

====Withdrawn==== * Alyssa Dara McDowell, independent candidate for president in 2016, 2018 Independent nominee for Kentucky House of Representatives District 65<ref name=opensecrets>{{cite news |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary?cycle=2020&id=KYS1 |work=Open Secrets |access-date=May 15, 2020 |title=Kentucky Senate 2020 Race}}</ref><ref name=secofstate/>

==General election== Throughout the general election campaign, McConnell portrayed McGrath as an overly liberal "rioter apologist". He highlighted a comment McGrath made in 2018 in which she compared her reaction to Donald Trump's 2016 presidential victory to her reaction to the September 11 attacks.<ref>{{Citation |title=Compared |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibd15oool2M |access-date=2023-04-02 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Debates === * [https://www.c-span.org/video/?476816-1/kentucky-us-senate-debate Complete video of debate], October 12, 2020 - C-SPAN

===Predictions=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" !Source !Ranking !As of |- | align=left | The Cook Political Report<ref name="Cook PR">{{cite web | title=2020 Senate Race Ratings for October 29, 2020 | url=https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/230641 |website=The Cook Political Report | access-date=March 11, 2021}}</ref> | {{USRaceRating|Likely|R}} |October 29, 2020 |- | align=left | Inside Elections<ref name="Inside Elections">{{cite web | title=2020 Senate Ratings | url=https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2020-senate-ratings-october-28-2020 | work=Senate Ratings | publisher=The Rothenberg Political Report | access-date=March 11, 2021}}</ref> | {{USRaceRating|Safe|R}} |October 28, 2020 |- | align=left | Sabato's Crystal Ball<ref name="Sabato's Crystal Ball">{{cite web | title=2020 Senate race ratings | url=https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2020-senate/ | website=Sabato's Crystal Ball | access-date=March 12, 2021}}</ref> |{{USRaceRating|Likely|R}} | November 2, 2020 |- | align="left" |Daily Kos<ref name="Daily Kos">{{Cite web |url=https://elections.dailykos.com/app/elections/2020/office/senate | website=Daily Kos Elections|title=2020 Senate Race Ratings | access-date=March 13, 2021}}</ref> |{{USRaceRating|Safe|R}} | October 30, 2020 |- | align="left" |Politico<ref name="Politico">{{Cite web |url= https://www.politico.com/2020-election/race-forecasts-and-predictions/senate/ |title=2020 Election Forecast|date=November 19, 2019 |publisher=Politico}}</ref> |{{USRaceRating|Likely|R}} |November 2, 2020 |- | align="left" |RCP<ref name="RCP">{{cite web |url= https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2020/senate/2020_elections_senate_map.html|title=Battle for the Senate 2020|date=October 23, 2020 |publisher=RCP}}</ref> |{{USRaceRating|Likely|R}} |October 23, 2020 |- | align="left" |DDHQ<ref name="DDHQ">{{Cite web |date=September 2, 2020 |title=2020 Senate Elections Model|url= https://forecast.decisiondeskhq.com/senate|access-date=September 2, 2020 |publisher=Decision Desk HQ}}</ref> |{{USRaceRating|Safe|R}} |November 3, 2020 |- | align="left" |538<ref>{{Cite web | last1=Silver | first1=Nate | title=Forecasting the race for the Senate | url=https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2020-election-forecast/senate/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918120501/https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2020-election-forecast/senate/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 18, 2020 | website=FiveThirtyEight | access-date=September 18, 2020 | date=September 18, 2020}}</ref> |{{USRaceRating|Safe|R}} |November 2, 2020 |- | align="left" |Economist<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2020 |title=Forecasting the US elections |url=https://projects.economist.com/us-2020-forecast/senate |access-date=March 13, 2021 |publisher=The Economist}}</ref> |{{USRaceRating|Likely|R}} |November 2, 2020 |}

===Additional general election endorsements=== {{Endorsements box | title = Amy McGrath (D) | list = '''U.S. Senators''' * Kirsten Gillibrand, New York (2009–present); former 2020 presidential candidate<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/12/9009905/kirsten-gillibrand-off-the-sidelines-2020-senate-races|title= Democrats Could Flip The Senate In 2020. Kirsten Gillibrand Wants To Be Behind That Effort. |first= Natalie|last= Gontcharova|date= December 13, 2019}}</ref> * Kamala Harris, California (2017–2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/@KamalaHarris/kamala-harris-endorsements-68f1711e105|title=Kamala Harris Endorsements|date=May 9, 2020}}</ref> '''U.S. Representatives''' * Seth Moulton, MA-6 (2015–present)<ref>{{cite web|title=Challengers|url=https://serveamericapac.com/challengers|website=Serve America PAC|language=en|access-date=November 1, 2020|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101183838/https://serveamericapac.com/challengers|url-status=dead}}</ref> '''State officials''' * Andy Beshear, governor of Kentucky (2019–present)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2020/09/14/kentucky-senate-race-beshear-endorses-mcgrath-against-mitch-mcconnell/5793973002/|title=Gov. Andy Beshear endorses Amy McGrath in Kentucky Senate race against Mitch McConnell|first=Morgan|last=Watkins|website=The Courier-Journal}}</ref> '''Individuals''' * Ann Coulter, media pundit ''(Republican)''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politicususa.com/2020/07/10/ann-coulter-amy-mcgrath-mcconnell.html|title=Ann Coulter Supports Amy McGrath and Calls for Mitch McConnell's Defeat|date=July 10, 2020}}</ref> * Alex Kurtzman, producer, writer and director<ref name="Alex Kurtzman endorsement">{{cite web | url=https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/fecimg/?201910159163861769 |title = Page by Page Report Display (Page 768 of 3007)}}</ref> '''Organizations''' * Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs<ref>{{cite web|title=Meet the 2020 Candidates|url=https://www.jacpac.org/story/18/07/09/meet-2020-candidatesJTA|website=Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs}}{{Dead link|date=January 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> '''Unions''' * International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers<ref>{{cite web|title=IFPTE Releases Its 2020 Congressional Endorsements|url=http://www.ifpte.org/news/details/IFPTE-Releases-Its-2020-Congressional-Endorsements|website=ifpte.org|publisher=International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers|date=July 6, 2020|access-date=November 1, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026051752/http://www.ifpte.org/news/details/IFPTE-Releases-Its-2020-Congressional-Endorsements|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Kentucky AFL-CIO<ref>{{cite web|title=Endorsements|url=https://ky.aflcio.org/endorsements|publisher=Kentucky State AFL-CIO|date=August 7, 2020|access-date=November 1, 2020|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113032112/https://ky.aflcio.org/endorsements|url-status=dead}}</ref> * National Education Association<ref>{{cite web|title=U.S. Senate – Education Votes|url=https://educationvotes.nea.org/us-senate/|website=educationvotes.nea.org}}</ref> * Service Employees International Union 1199 WV/KY/OH<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.seiu1199.org/2020-endorsements/|title=Primary and General Election Endorsements|date=January 27, 2020|access-date=July 13, 2020|archive-date=July 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713102942/http://www.seiu1199.org/2020-endorsements/|url-status=dead}}</ref> * United Auto Workers<ref>{{cite web |title=Kentucky – Official UAW Endorsements |url=http://uawendorsements.org/map/kentucky/ |website=uawendorsements.org |publisher=United Automobile Workers}}</ref> }}

===Polling=== ====Graphical summary==== {{Chart|definition=Opinion polling for the 2020 United States Senate election in Kentucky.chart|data=Opinion polling for the 2020 United States Senate election in Kentucky.tab|Width=700}}

====Polls==== {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;text-align:center;" |- valign=bottom ! Poll source ! Date(s)<br />administered ! Sample<br />size{{efn|name=Key|Key:<br />A – all adults<br />RV – registered voters<br />LV – likely voters<br />V – unclear}} ! Margin<br />of error ! style="width:100px;"| Mitch<br />McConnell (R) ! style="width:100px;"| Amy<br />McGrath (D) ! style="width:100px;"| Brad<br />Barron (L) ! style="width:100px;"| Other /<br />Undecided |- |style="text-align:left;"|Swayable<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.swayable.com/polls/2020-11-02-large.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113073344/https://www.swayable.com/polls/2020-11-02-large.html|url-status=dead|title=Polls 2020-11-02 (larger states)|archivedate=November 13, 2020}}</ref> |October 23 – November 1, 2020 |365 (LV) |±&nbsp;7.9% |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''49%''' |46% |5% | – |- |style="text-align:left;"|Morning Consult<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://morningconsult.com/form/2020-u-s-election-tracker/|title=2020 U.S. Election Tracker}}</ref> |October 22–31, 2020 |911 (LV) |±&nbsp;3% |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''51%''' |40% | – | – |- |style="text-align:left;"|Bluegrass Community & Technical College<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wtvq.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/1-All-Summary-Data-Complete-Responses.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030013128/https://www.wtvq.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/1-All-Summary-Data-Complete-Responses.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Wayback Machine|archivedate=October 30, 2020|website=www.wtvq.com}}</ref> |October 12–28, 2020 |250 (RV) | – |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''50%''' |40% | – |10%{{efn|Undecided with 10%}} |- | style="text-align:left;"|Cygnal<ref name="Cygnal">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cygn.al/news/cygnal-poll-mcconnell-up-double-digits-in-kentucky-senate-race/|title=Kentucky Senate Race Poll: McConnell Election Insights}}</ref> | October 19–20, 2020 | 640 (LV) | ±&nbsp;3.9% | {{party shading/Republican}}|'''50%''' | 40% | 5% | 5%{{efn|Undecided with 5%}} |- | style="text-align:left;"|Mason-Dixon<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lpm.org/news/2020-10-21/mcconnell-leads-mcgrath-by-9-points-in-new-poll|title=McConnell Leads McGrath By 9 Points In New Poll|first=Ryland|last=Barton|date=October 21, 2020|website=Louisville Public Media}}</ref> | October 12–15, 2020 | 625 (LV) | ±&nbsp;4% | {{party shading/Republican}}|'''51%''' | 42% | 4% | 3%{{efn|Undecided with 3%}} |- | style="text-align:left;"|Morning Consult<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pro.morningconsult.com/articles/majority-makers-south-carolina-senate-harrison-graham|title=Graham Is Weak With GOP Voters. Strategists Think Another Supreme Court Fight Will Help|website=Morning Consult Pro}}</ref> | September 11–20, 2020 | 746 (LV) | ±&nbsp;(2% – 7%) | {{party shading/Republican}}|'''52%''' | 37% | – | – |- | rowspan=2 style="text-align:left;"|Data for Progress (D)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://filesforprogress.org/memos/2020-senate-project/week-1/KY_1.pdf|title=Data for Progress (D)}}</ref> | rowspan=2 |September 14–19, 2020 | rowspan=2 |807 (LV) | rowspan=2 |±&nbsp;3.5% | {{party shading/Republican}}|'''46%'''{{efn|Standard VI response}} | 39% | 3% | 12%{{efn|Undecided with 12%|name="U12"}} |- | {{party shading/Republican}}|'''48%'''{{efn|If only McConnell and McGrath were candidates}} | 41% | – | 11%{{efn|Undecided with 11%}} |- |style="text-align:left;"|Quinnipiac University<ref name="Quinnipiac University">{{Cite web|url=https://poll.qu.edu/kentucky/release-detail?ReleaseID=3673|title=Poll Results - Quinnipiac University Poll}}</ref> |September 10–14, 2020 |1,164 (LV) |±&nbsp;2.9% |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''53%''' |41% | – |5%{{efn|"Someone else" with 1%; Undecided with 4%}} |- |style="text-align:left;"|Quinnipiac University<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://poll.qu.edu/images/polling/ky/ky08062020_crosstabs_bgxe21.pdf|title=Quinnipiac University}}</ref> |July 30 – August 3, 2020 |909 (RV) |±&nbsp;3.3% |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''49%''' |44% | – |7%{{efn|"Someone else" and would not vote with 1%; Undecided with 5%}} |- |style="text-align:left;"|Bluegrass Data (D)<ref name="auto3">[https://ditchmitchfund.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/July-2020-Bluegrass-Kentucky-Poll-Memo.pdf Bluegrass Data (D)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809221122/https://ditchmitchfund.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/July-2020-Bluegrass-Kentucky-Poll-Memo.pdf |date=August 9, 2020 }}</ref>{{efn-ua|name="DMF"|This poll's sponsor, Ditch Mitch Fund, supported the electoral defeat of Mitch McConnell prior to the sampling period}} |July 25–29, 2020 |3,020 (RV) |±&nbsp;2.0% |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''49%''' |46% | 4% | – |- |style="text-align:left;"|Morning Consult<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pro.morningconsult.com/articles/senate-presidential-polling-alabama-kentucky-sc-texas|title=Republicans Lead Senate Races in Alabama, Kentucky and Texas, With South Carolina Tied|website=Morning Consult Pro}}</ref> |July 24 – August 2, 2020 |793 (LV) |±&nbsp;3.0% |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''53%''' |36% | – |12%{{efn|"Someone else" and Undecided with 6%}} |- |style="text-align:left;"|Spry Strategies (R)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://americanprinciplesproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APP.Kentucky.pdf|title=Spry Strategies (R)}}</ref>{{efn-ua|This poll's sponsor is the American Principles Project, a 501 that supports the Republican Party.}} |July 11–16, 2020 |600 (LV) |±&nbsp;3.7% |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''55%''' |33% | – |12%{{efn|name="U12"}} |- |style="text-align:left;"|Garin-Hart-Yang Research (D)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://amymcgrath.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Polling-Memo-07-16.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716225551/https://amymcgrath.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Polling-Memo-07-16.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Garin-Hart-Yang Research (D)|archivedate=July 16, 2020}}</ref>{{efn-ua|name="mcgrathpoll"}} |July 7–12, 2020 |800 (LV) | ±&nbsp;3.5% |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''45%''' |41% | 7% |7%{{efn|Undecided with 7%}} |- |style="text-align:left;"|Civiqs/Data for Progress<ref name="Civiqs/Data for Progress"/> |June 13–15, 2020 |898 (RV) | ±&nbsp;3.8% |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''53%''' |33% | 4% |11%{{efn|"someone else" with 8%; undecided with 3%}} |- | style="text-align:left;"|RMG Research<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.termlimits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/KY-Survey-May-21-2020.pdf|title=RMG Research}}</ref>{{efn-ua|Poll sponsored by U.S. Term Limits, a PAC supporting candidates who support term limits in Congress.}} | May 21–24, 2020 | 500 (RV) | ±&nbsp;4.5% | 40% | {{party shading/Democratic}}|'''41%''' | – |19%{{efn|Undecided with 10%; "Some other candidate" with 9%}} |- |style="text-align:left;"|Bluegrass Data (D)<ref name="auto3"/>{{efn-ua|name="DMF"}} |April 7–12, 2020{{efn|Additional data sourced from FiveThirtyEight}} |4,000 (RV) | – |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''40%''' |38% | 7% | – |- | style="text-align:left;"|Change Research (D)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000170-7541-da94-a9f2-ff6364500000|title=Change Research (D)}}</ref>{{efn-ua|name=mcgrathpoll}} | January 17–21, 2020 | 1,281 (LV) | ±&nbsp;2.8% | '''41%''' | '''41%''' | – | 18% |- | style="text-align:left;"|Garin-Hart-Yang Research (D)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000170-7541-da94-a9f2-ff6364500000|title=Garin-Hart-Yang Research (D)}}</ref>{{efn-ua|name=mcgrathpoll}} | January 8–13, 2020 | 802 (LV) | ±&nbsp;3.5% | {{party shading/Republican}}| '''43%''' | 40% | – | 17% |- | style="text-align:left;"|Fabrizio Ward<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/politics/2019/five-state-prescription-drug-survey-annotated-questionnaire-KY.doi.10.26419-2Fres.00335.003.pdf|title=Fabrizio Ward}}</ref>{{efn-ua|Poll sponsored by AARP.}} |July 29–31, 2019 |600 (LV) |±&nbsp;4.0% | {{party shading/Republican}}| '''47%''' | 46% | – | 6% |- | style="text-align:left;"|Change Research (D)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kentuckytoday.com/downloads/mcgrath-comes-out-firing-in-battle-for-mcconnell-s-seat/article_c39c5e9b-afa0-520c-804f-9397e668788b.html|title=McGrath comes out firing in battle for McConnell's seat|first=TOM LATEK, Kentucky|last=Today|date=July 9, 2019|website=Kentucky Today}}</ref>{{efn-ua|name=mcgrathpoll}} | June 15–16, 2019 | 1,629 (LV) | – | {{party shading/Republican}}|'''47%''' | 45% | – | 8% |}

<!-- = = = don't edit the line below = = = --> {{hidden begin|titlestyle=background:#cff|title=Hypothetical polling|contentstyle=border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:var(--background-color-base); color:var(--color-base);}} <!-- = = = don't edit the line above = = = --> '''with Charles Booker'''<br /> {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;text-align:center;" |- valign=bottom ! Poll source ! Date(s)<br />administered ! Sample<br />size{{efn|name=Key|Key:<br />A – all adults<br />RV – registered voters<br />LV – likely voters<br />V – unclear}} ! Margin<br />of error ! style="width:100px;"| Mitch<br />McConnell (R) ! style="width:100px;"| Charles<br />Booker (D) ! style="width:100px;"| Other /<br />Undecided |- |style="text-align:left;"|Civiqs/Data for Progress<ref name="Civiqs/Data for Progress"/> |June 13–15, 2020 |898 (RV) | ±&nbsp;3.8% |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''52%''' |38% |9%{{efn|Barron (L) with 4%; "someone else" with 2%; undecided with 3%}} |} '''with Jim Gray'''<br /> {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;text-align:center;" |- valign=bottom ! Poll source ! Date(s)<br />administered ! Sample<br />size{{efn|name=Key}} ! Margin<br />of error ! style="width:100px;"| Mitch<br />McConnell (R) ! style="width:100px;"| Jim<br />Gray (D) ! Undecided |- | style="text-align:left;"|Gravis Marketing<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gravismarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Kentucky-June-14-2019.pdf|title=Gravis Marketing}}</ref> | June 11–12, 2019 | 741 (LV) | ±&nbsp;3.6% | {{party shading/Republican}}| '''49%''' | 41% | 10% |}

'''with Generic Democrat'''<br /> {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;text-align:center;" |- valign=bottom ! Poll source ! Date(s)<br />administered ! Sample<br />size{{efn|name=Key}} ! Margin<br />of error ! style="width:100px;"| Mitch<br />McConnell (R) ! style="width:100px;"| Generic<br />Democrat ! Other /<br />Undecided |- | style="text-align:left;"|Public Policy Polling<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/KentuckyResultsMay2020.pdf|title=Public Policy Polling}}</ref> | May 14–15, 2020 | 1,104 (V) | – |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''47%''' |44% |9% |- | style="text-align:left;"|Public Policy Polling (D)<ref name="auto2">[https://ditchmitchfund.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/KentuckyMemoFeb21.pdf Public Policy Polling (D)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225235923/https://ditchmitchfund.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/KentuckyMemoFeb21.pdf |date=February 25, 2019 }}</ref>{{efn-ua|Poll sponsored by The Ditch Mitch Fund|name="TMDF"}} | Feb 11–12, 2019 | 748 (RV) | ±&nbsp;3.6% | {{party shading/Republican}}| '''45%''' | 42% | 12% |- | style="text-align:left;"|Public Policy Polling (D)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ourlivesontheline.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/KentuckyResults.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209190803/http://ourlivesontheline.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/KentuckyResults.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Public Policy Polling (D)|archivedate=December 9, 2020}}</ref>{{efn-ua|Poll sponsored by Our Lives on the Line|name="OLOTL"}} | Aug 15–16, 2017 | 645 (V) | – | 37% | {{party shading/Democratic}}| '''44%''' | 19% |}

'''on whether Mitch McConnell deserves to be re-elected'''<br /> {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;text-align:center;" |- valign=bottom ! Poll source ! Date(s)<br />administered ! Sample<br />size{{efn|name="Key"}} ! Margin<br />of error ! style="width:100px;"| Yes ! style="width:100px;"| No ! Other /<br />Undecided |- |style="text-align:left;"|Fabrizio Ward/AARP<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/politics/2019/five-state-prescription-drug-survey-annotated-questionnaire-ME.doi.10.26419-2Fres.00335.004.pdf|title=Fabrizio Ward/AARP}}</ref> |July 29–31, 2019 |600 (LV) |±&nbsp;4.0% |31% |{{party shading/Other}}|'''62%''' |8%{{efn|Undecided with 7%; "refused" with 1%}} |- | style="text-align:left;"|Public Policy Polling (D)<ref name="auto2"/>{{efn-ua|Poll sponsored by The Ditch Mitch Fund|name="TMDF"}} | Feb 11–12, 2019 | 748 (RV) | ±&nbsp;3.6% | 32% | {{party shading/Other}}|'''61%''' | 8% |}

'''with Generic Republican and Generic Democrat'''<br /> {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;text-align:center;" |- valign=bottom ! Poll source ! Date(s)<br />administered ! Sample<br />size{{efn|name="Key"}} ! Margin<br />of error ! style="width:100px;"| Generic<br />Republican ! style="width:100px;"| Generic<br />Democrat ! Other /<br />Undecided |- | style="text-align:left;"|Cygnal<ref name="Cygnal"/> | October 19–20, 2020 | 640 (LV) | ±&nbsp;3.9% | {{party shading/Republican}}|'''55%''' | 39% | 6%{{efn|Undecided with 6%}} |- |style="text-align:left;"|Quinnipiac University<ref name="Quinnipiac University"/> |September 10–14, 2020 |1,164 (LV) |±&nbsp;2.9% |{{party shading/Republican}}|'''54%''' |38% |8%{{efn|Undecided with 8%}} |- | style="text-align:left;"|Fabrizio Ward/AARP<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/politics/2019/five-state-prescription-drug-survey-annotated-questionnaire-KY.doi.10.26419-2Fres.00335.003.pdf|title=Fabrizio Ward/AARP}}</ref> | July 29–31, 2019 | 600 (LV) | ±&nbsp;4.0% | {{party shading/Republican}}| '''48%''' | 42% | 13%{{efn|Undecided with 10%; "don't know/refused" with 3%}} |} {{hidden end}}

=== Results === McConnell was announced as the winner on November 3.<ref>{{Cite news|title=U.S. Senate Election Results|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|date=November 3, 2020 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/11/03/us/elections/results-senate.html|access-date=2020-11-04|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> When pressed for a potential recount of the election amid legal disputes regarding the general, McConnell dismissed the idea; he said, "At the risk of bragging, it wasn't very close."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/525612-mcconnell-treads-cautiously-in-trumps-post-election-fight|title=McConnell treads cautiously in Trump's post-election fight|first=Alexander|last=Bolton|work=The Hill|date=November 12, 2020|access-date=December 2, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-11-03|title=Kentucky U.S. Senate Election Results|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/11/03/us/elections/results-kentucky-senate.html|access-date=2021-10-03|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> He won the election by nearly 20%.<ref>{{cite web |last=Panetta |first=Grace |title=Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell defeats Democrat Amy McGrath in Kentucky |date=November 3, 2020 |access-date=November 9, 2020|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/mitch-mcconnell-vs-amy-mcgrath-kentucky-senate-election-2020|website=Business Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=CNN|last=Foran|first=Clare|title=Mitch McConnell wins reelection in Kentucky, defeating Democrat Amy McGrath|date=November 3, 2020|access-date=November 9, 2020 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/03/politics/mitch-mcconnell-kentucky-senate/index.html}}</ref><ref name="HillStanage11042020"/>

{{Election box begin | title = 2020 United States Senate election in Kentucky<ref>{{cite web |url=https://elect.ky.gov/results/2020-2029/Documents/2020%20General%20Election%20Results.pdf |title=November 3, 2020 – Official 2020 General Election Results |page=10 |work=Kentucky Secretary of State |date=November 20, 2020 |access-date=November 21, 2020}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link | party = Republican Party (United States) | candidate = Mitch McConnell (incumbent) | votes = 1,233,315 | percentage = 57.76% | change = +1.57% }} {{Election box candidate with party link | party = Democratic Party (United States) | candidate = Amy McGrath | votes = 816,257 | percentage = 38.23% | change = -2.49% }} {{Election box candidate with party link | party = Libertarian Party (United States) | candidate = Brad Barron | votes = 85,386 | percentage = 4.00% | change = +0.92% }} {{Election box write-in with party link | votes = 99 | percentage = 0.01% | change = -0.00% }} {{Election box total | votes = 2,135,057 | percentage = 100.00% | change = N/A }} {{Election box hold with party link no swing | winner = Republican Party (United States) }} {{Election box end}}

'''Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican''' *Bath (largest municipality: Owingsville) *Elliott (largest municipality: Sandy Hook) *Marion (largest municipality: Lebanon) *Menifee (largest municipality: Frenchburg) *Nicholas (largest municipality: Carlisle) *Rowan (largest municipality: Morehead) *Wolfe (largest municipality: Campton)

====By congressional district==== McConnell won five of Kentucky's six congressional districts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://davesredistricting.org/maps#viewmap::4f9930e4-072e-452d-9b5f-12cab0427ece|title=DRA 2020|website=Daves Redistricting|accessdate=August 18, 2024}}</ref>

{|class=wikitable ! District ! McConnell ! McGrath ! Representative |- align=center ! {{party shading/Republican}}|{{ushr|Kentucky|1|1st}} | '''67%''' | 28% | {{party shading/Republican}}|James Comer |- align=center ! {{party shading/Republican}}|{{ushr|Kentucky|2|2nd}} | '''62%''' | 33% | {{party shading/Republican}}|Brett Guthrie |- align=center ! {{party shading/Democratic}}|{{ushr|Kentucky|3|3rd}} | 37% | '''61%''' | {{party shading/Democratic}}|John Yarmuth |- align=center ! {{party shading/Republican}}|{{ushr|Kentucky|4|4th}} | '''60%''' | 36% | {{party shading/Republican}}|Thomas Massie |- align=center ! {{party shading/Republican}}|{{ushr|Kentucky|5|5th}} | '''74%''' | 22% | {{party shading/Republican}}|Hal Rogers |- align=center ! {{party shading/Republican}}|{{ushr|Kentucky|6|6th}} | '''51%''' | 46% | {{party shading/Republican}}|Andy Barr |}

==Analysis== McGrath raised a record-setting $94 million for her campaign. She raised $63 million more than any prior candidate had ever raised for a Kentucky political campaign. According to ''New Republic'', she outraised McConnell by $27 million.<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://newrepublic.com/article/165243/amy-mcgrath-losing-democrats-senate-fundraising|title=The Losing Democrats Who Gobbled Up Money|website=The New Republic|last=Sokolove|first=Michael|date=February 14, 2022}}</ref> According to ''The Hill'', she outraised McConnell by more than $32 million.<ref name="HillStanage11042020">{{cite news|first=Niall|last=Stanage|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/524537-winners-and-losers-from-2020s-election|title=Winners and losers from 2020's election|newspaper=The Hill|date=November 4, 2020|accessdate=November 26, 2020}}</ref>

Michael Sokolove of ''New Republic'' asserted that "Amy McGrath and other Senate candidates deceived donors to rake in far more cash than their Republican opponents. They got crushed anyway".<ref name="auto4"/>

==See also== * 2020 Kentucky elections

==Notes== '''Partisan clients'''<br /> {{notelist-ua}} '''Voter samples'''<br /> {{notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * {{citation |author= Government Documents Round Table of the American Library Association |work=Voting & Elections Toolkits |url= https://godort.libguides.com/votingtoolkit/kentucky |title= Kentucky }} * {{citation |work=Vote.org |location=Oakland, CA |url= https://www.vote.org/state/kentucky/ |title= Kentucky: Election Tools, Deadlines, Dates, Rules, and Links }} * {{cite web |title= League of Women Voters of Kentucky |url= https://www.lwv.org/local-leagues/find-local-league }} (state affiliate of the U.S. League of Women Voters) * {{Ballotpedia|Kentucky|Kentucky}}

'''campaign websites''' * [https://www.bradbarron2020.com/ Brad Barron (L) for Senate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127015653/https://www.bradbarron2020.com/ |date=January 27, 2020 }} * [https://www.teammitch.com/ Mitch McConnell (R) for Senate] * [https://amymcgrath.com/ Amy McGrath (D) for Senate]

{{2020 United States elections}} {{Elections in Kentucky footer}} {{Mitch McConnell}} <!-- Per WP:BIDIRECTIONAL, please DO NOT ADD template "State of XXXXX" here -->

2020 Kentucky United States Senate Category:Mitch McConnell