FRANKFORT, Ky. — President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Andy Barr in the Republican primary for Kentucky's open Senate seat Friday, throwing his weight behind the Lexington congressman in the race to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell, according to WUKY 91.3 FM.

The endorsement represents a significant boost for Barr, who represents Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, which includes much of the Bluegrass region and surrounding areas. Trump's backing carries substantial weight in Republican primary contests across the nation and particularly in Kentucky, where the former president retains strong support among GOP voters.

McConnell announced his retirement as Senate Republican leader and from his seat in February 2024 after leading Senate Republicans for nearly two decades. His departure triggered a competitive Republican primary field vying to succeed him in the reliably red state.

Barr, who was first elected to Congress in 2012, has built a record as a member of the House Financial Services Committee and the House Appropriations Committee. He represents a district that stretches across central Kentucky including Fayette County, Madison County and portions of surrounding areas.

The Trump endorsement underscores the former president's continued influence over Republican primary contests nationwide. In Kentucky's 2024 Senate race, Trump had backed U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance's successful run in Ohio, demonstrating his impact on Republican nomination battles across multiple states.

Primary elections for the McConnell seat have drawn attention from national Republican figures as the party seeks to maintain control of the Senate seat in a state where Republicans have dominated statewide races in recent years. The winner of the Republican primary is expected to be heavily favored in the general election given Kentucky's strong Republican lean in recent electoral cycles.