McConnell challenger Amy McGrath's campaign says it raised $2.5 million in 24 hours

Amy McGrath's campaign said on Wednesday that it raised $2.5 million in its first 24 hours, after the Kentucky Democrat announced her bid to challenge Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell next fall, NBC reports.

Why it matters: McGrath's campaign said that was the most money ever raised during a Senate campaign's first day. This highlights how the Kentucky race is set to become a lightning rod in 2020 — as the idea of "dealing with" McConnell was a question in the first 2020 presidential debate.

By the numbers: McGrath's campaign said the funds came from over 69,000 online donations, with an average donation of about $36. McConnell has raised $11.2 million for his re-election since 2015, Politico reports, and currently has $7.9 million cash on hand.

Go deeper: Amy McGrath to challenge Mitch McConnell in 2020 Senate race