Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) has emerged as the early financial front-runner in Kentucky’s Senate primary contest, pulling in significant campaign cash, while former Attorney General Daniel Cameron faces a sluggish start to his fundraising efforts.
The Central Kentucky congressman closed out the latest fundraising quarter with upwards of $6.1 million in the bank, federal records show, a war chest more than 11 times larger than that of Daniel Cameron, the former attorney general who currently tops early surveys in the race.
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Cameron brought in just over $385,000 during the most recent quarter, according to a campaign finance filing submitted Tuesday, ending the quarter with $532,000 on hand while Barr raised more than $1.4 million in the same time period.
The modest total is unexpectedly low for the former attorney general, who is competing in a crowded Republican primary alongside Barr and Lexington entrepreneur Nate Morris to replace outgoing Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
Cameron’s failed 2023 challenge to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and his tenure as attorney general offered him statewide name recognition and experience on the campaign trail. Yet Cameron’s underwhelming fundraising suggests early contributors are gravitating toward Barr’s more aggressive political approach, casting doubt on whether Cameron can generate the momentum needed to seriously contend for the nomination.
Morris isn’t required to disclose his campaign finances until October, as federal rules give candidates 15 days to file with the FEC after entering a race, and Morris launched his bid just days ahead of the June 30 cutoff.
Barr’s strong financial showing signals an early burst of energy in a primary where all three contenders are vying for Trump’s base. Cameron, meanwhile, saw a dip in support; his latest total of $385,000 falls short of the $508,000 he collected in the previous quarter.
“Cameron’s fundraising numbers are definitely concerning and show a lack of enthusiasm,” said a GOP strategist with ties to Kentucky, speaking anonymously. “I think while many people considered Cameron to be the favorite in this race early on, Barr is showing he’s well-positioned to win, especially as he ties himself to Trump and travels the state.”
Barr’s team touted his wide fundraising advantage in a Tuesday evening press release, declaring that the influx of support from conservative voters across the state shows his campaign has the strongest footing and the momentum to win and serve Kentucky.
“This fundraising surge, powered by grassroots conservatives across Kentucky, proves we are the campaign best positioned with the momentum to win and deliver for Kentuckians,” the campaign said.
Still, Barr’s fundraising advantage appears largely rooted in his long tenure on Capitol Hill and influential committee roles. Now in his seventh term representing Kentucky’s 6th District, Barr holds a senior spot on the House Financial Services Committee and leads its Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy subcommittee. Much of the $1.1 million his campaign received from traditional PACs in the first half of 2025 came from groups tied to banks and the broader financial sector.
Barr’s campaign pulled in the bulk of its $1.1 million in PAC contributions from groups tied to banks and the financial services industry during the first half of 2025. In contrast, Cameron reported receiving just $1,000 from PACs over the same period.
The Kentucky congressman entered the race with a sizable advantage, transferring nearly $3.7 million from his House campaign account to fund his Senate bid, a significant head start over Cameron. Roughly 40% of those funds came from PAC contributions during his time in the House.
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Should Republican President Donald Trump choose to weigh in, his endorsement is widely seen as a significant boost in the race. All three contenders are vying to position themselves as Trump’s most loyal ally and the best equipped to advance his priorities.
Pamela Stevenson, the Democratic floor leader in the Kentucky House and the sole Democrat to launch a campaign for the U.S. Senate race so far, brought in $150,000 last quarter and ended June with nearly $49,000 in the bank.