As President Donald Trump pushes to install a close ally in the Senate seat long held by Mitch McConnell, questions are emerging over one leading contender’s past political donations—specifically to Republicans who voted to impeach Trump in 2021.
Representative Andy Barr of Kentucky, one of the front-runners in the race to succeed McConnell, is facing renewed scrutiny after records revealed he donated multiple times to GOP lawmakers who broke ranks with Trump during his second impeachment trial.
Although Barr voted against impeachment, he previously called Trump’s actions leading up to the January 6 Capitol riot “irresponsible” and noted the former president was “not blameless.”
Trump’s Inner Circle Raises Concerns
Sources close to Trump say some within the former president’s inner circle are wary of Barr’s past support for Republicans who opposed Trump. Among them are former Reps. Anthony Gonzalez (R-Ohio), John Katko (R-NY), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.), and Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.)—all of whom voted to impeach Trump following the Capitol unrest.
Barr, through his leadership PAC, contributed to each of those lawmakers between 2021 and 2022. These donations total more than $17,000, according to FEC filings reviewed by multiple outlets.
One of the more controversial donations came just months after Trump had publicly criticized the 10 House Republicans who voted for his impeachment. In a speech following his departure from the White House, Trump had urged supporters to oppose those members in future elections.
Three-Way Race for Senate Seat
Barr is currently locked in a competitive three-way Republican primary against Daniel Cameron, former Kentucky attorney general, and businessman Nate Morris.
At 51, Barr brings more than a decade of congressional experience, while Cameron, 39, has close ties to both the Trump and McConnell camps, and Morris, 44, pitches himself as a political outsider with business credentials.
With McConnell having held the seat since 1985, the upcoming race is being closely watched both in Kentucky and nationally, especially as Trump seeks to reshape the GOP leadership with figures more aligned with his political direction.
Donations Could Become a Flashpoint
Critics of Barr are expected to use his past donations as a political weapon during the primary campaign, particularly in Trump-aligned circles. A GOP strategist familiar with the race noted that Barr’s contributions “may not sit well with the party’s conservative base,” especially those who continue to support Trump’s efforts to challenge political rivals.
Meanwhile, Barr’s supporters argue that his votes in Congress speak louder than his PAC donations, pointing to his consistent support for conservative legislation and opposition to both of Trump’s impeachments.
As the battle to replace McConnell intensifies, the tension between party loyalty, past political alliances, and Trump’s influence over the GOP appears set to define the race in the weeks to come.