By He has been doing battle with groups of liberals every night in front of a national audience on CNN, but now he may soon have a much bigger calling. Republican strategist and conservative commentator Scott Jennings is being encouraged to enter Kentucky’s 2026 Senate race following Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.
According to a report by Fox News, sources familiar with the race indicate that Jennings, a longtime McConnell ally and veteran of Republican politics, is receiving both public and private encouragement to launch a campaign.
“Some conservative personalities floated the possibility publicly on X. The pundit is known for his advocacy of the Trump administration on the airwaves, and he regularly goes viral for debating liberal pundits on the cable television network.
He served as a longtime advisor to the outgoing Kentucky senator and previously worked in the George W. Bush administration.”
Could I nominate @ScottJenningsKY for the United States Senate from the Commonwealth of Kentucky? He’d be a hell of a McConnell replacement.
— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) February 26, 2025
Have been a fan of this idea for a while. https://t.co/K6xMTBUDO3 pic.twitter.com/ZK1C3PIt0b
— Patrick Ruffini (@PatrickRuffini) February 27, 2025
Jennings has built a national reputation through his frequent appearances on CNN, where he is known for his firm defense of the Trump administration and conservative policies.
I spend most of my time repeating back to liberals their own words and ideas, only to have them – seconds later – deny ever saying them. It’s truly astonishing. This convo on @cnn 👀 pic.twitter.com/xVNSPOFbBN
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) February 27, 2025
His deep-rooted connections to Kentucky politics—serving as an advisor to McConnell and working in the George W. Bush administration—make him a viable candidate should he decide to enter the race.
McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history, decided earlier in the month to retire, marking the end of an era in Kentucky politics. First elected in 1984, he has served as a key figure in the Senate for nearly four decades.
“Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of my lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time,” McConnell said on the Senate floor. “My current term in the Senate will be my last.”
Current Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised McConnell for his remarkable career, noted NBC News.
“Over decades of tireless work, his mastery of Senate procedure, commitment to the institution, and dedication to the rule of law have shaped the course of American governance for generations to come,” Thune said. “His leadership has strengthened the Senate’s role as a deliberative body and delivered historic achievements, from advancing the judiciary to championing Kentucky’s interests.”
Several Republican candidates have already begun maneuvering for position, according to local newspapers. Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who lost the 2023 gubernatorial race to Democratic Governor Andy Beshear, has formally declared his candidacy. Additionally, Rep. Andy Barr is reportedly weighing a bid, though he has not made a final decision.
With McConnell’s departure, the race remains wide open. Neither former President Donald Trump nor McConnell himself has endorsed a candidate, leaving room for new contenders to step forward. While speculation around Jennings continues to grow, he has not yet made any public statement on whether he intends to run.
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