Retired Marine pilot and Democrat Amy McGrath’s first run for political office came up short, but she did mount a strong campaign against GOP incumbent Congressman Andy Barr. The three-term representative won by three percentage points.
McGrath built her campaign as an anti-establishment candidate and gained the reputation of running a positive campaign. McGrath and her supporters criticized GOP interests for running attacks ads. Following her concession speech, McGrath said she’s not really sure why Barr’s strategy won the day.
“Unfortunately negative campaigning is still a factor. And it’s unfortunate but I think it has a lot to do with the types of attacks that were run and I don’t know. We’ll take a step back and take a look at it. But I don’t really know," she said.
The race was hotly contested and gained international attention. McGrath says she has no idea what lies ahead but promised to remain an active voice in Kentucky.
