KY-06: Gray's Entry Moves Barr to Lean Republican
This week, Lexington Mayor Jim Gray announced he will challenge three-term GOP Rep. Andy Barr. Some Democrats are ecstatic because Gray is a popular mayor and wealthy construction businessman who carried the 6th CD in his 2016 bid against GOP Sen. Rand Paul, even while President Trump carried it 55 percent to 39 percent. But, he's not the only top-tier Democrat running in this red seat.
In August, retired fighter pilot and Marine Lt. Col. Amy McGrath launched her campaign with a video that went viral and helped her raise over $723,000. Her military profile is impressive, but she only moved back to Kentucky in the last year after retiring from teaching at the U.S. Naval Academy. Gray backers question the true strength of McGrath's grassroots support, but she's staying in the race.
McGrath's trailblazing story and outsider status fit the type of candidate who's gaining traction with Democrats in 2018. But after two terms as mayor, Gray begins the campaign with far more name recognition, the ability to self-fund and strong favorability with area Democrats. Gray, who is gay, led a swift push to relocate downtown confederate statues after the events in Charlottesville this summer.
The May Democratic primary also features African-American state Sen. Reggie Thomas, but he is unlikely to keep fundraising pace with Gray or McGrath. Some speculate that he may drop out and endorse Gray.
https://www.cookpolitical.com/analysis/house/kentucky-house/ky-06-grays-entry-moves-barr-lean-republican
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