Republican Senate candidate Daniel Cameron lavished praise Monday on Donald Trump and criticized his mentor Sen. Mitch McConnell, reflecting the president's dominance within the GOP and setting an early tone for what looks to be a competitive primary for a Kentucky Senate seat in 2026.

The former gubernatorial candidate came up short in 2023 but is widely seen as the GOP leader’s heir apparent.

The scramble to fill Mitch McConnell’s Senate seat in Kentucky began as soon as the long-serving Republican lawmaker revealed he won’t seek reelection in 2026. Former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron jumped into the campaign Thursday,

The fight to succeed longtime Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell in Kentucky began on Thursday, with Daniel Cameron throwing his hat in and others announcing their consideration.

Daniel Cameron, Kentucky's former attorney general, wasted no time announcing he plans to run for Sen. Mitch McConnell's seat after McConnell retires.

Prior to becoming Kentucky’s first Black attorney general, Cameron served as legal counsel to McConnell, the state’s longest serving senator, for two years.

Cameron made the announcement just minutes after longtime Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-KY, said he would not seek an eighth term to the U.S. Senate.

When President Trump endorsed Daniel Cameron for Governor, Daniel embarrassed the President and our party by losing in a state that President Trump won by over 30 points,” a Barr spokesperson wrote.