Jul 9, 2019 - Politics & Policy

Amy McGrath to challenge Mitch McConnell in 2020 Senate race

Marisa Fernandez

Mitch McConnell and Amy McGrath. Photos: Mark Wilson/Jason Davis/Getty Images

Democrat Amy McGrath, a former Marine fighter pilot and the first female Marine to fly in an F-18 during combat, announced Tuesday that she will take on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for his Kentucky Senate seat in 2020.

Why it matters: McGrath, who failed in her House bid during the 2018 midterm elections, will be a high profile — and cash-flush — challenger for McConnell, the longest-serving Republican Senate leader.

What she's saying, via her campaign video:

"It started with this man who was elected a lifetime ago and who has, bit by bit, year by year turned Washington into something we all despise. Where disfunction and chaos are all political weapons. Where budgets and health care and the Supreme Court are held hostage. A place where ideals go to die."

The other side:

“Amy McGrath lost her only race in a Democratic wave election because she is an extreme liberal who is far out of touch with Kentuckians. Comparing President Trump’s election to 9/11, endorsing a government takeover of healthcare, and calling the wall 'stupid' is a heckuva platform that we will be delighted to discuss over the next sixteen months.”

— McConnell's campaign manager Kevin Golden

Go deeper: These Senate seats are up for election in 2020

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Amy McGrath to challenge Mitch McConnell in 2020 Senate race

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