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.

Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron (R), who recently launched a bid for the seat being vacated by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R), criticized his fellow Kentuckian for voting against confirming President Trump’s Cabinet picks,

If Trump endorses the Simon Kenton High School janitor, that janitor will be the next United States Senator from Kentucky,” one former candidate said. “I just feel like Trump’s endorsement is that powerful.

Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron is running to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader who is not seeking re-election.

- Kentucky Republican gubernatorial candidate Daniel Cameron speaks to supporters in Richmond, Ky., June 2, 2023. Cameron says Kentucky should develop state-backed tutoring programs to help students recover from pandemic learning setbacks.

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,