FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday March 26, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
Louisville, KY — Retired Democratic Congressman John Yarmuth today endorsed Charles Booker in his race for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by retiring Senator and former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
On his endorsement of Booker, Yarmuth said, “I’m proud to support my friend Charles Booker in this race because I believe 2026 can be a gamechanger for Kentucky and our country. Across our commonwealth, so many families are fighting to make ends meet, and it’s being made worse by chaos at the federal level. We can send someone to Washington who understands what regular Kentuckians are struggling with every day, and has the experience to deliver real results. Charles is a proven champion for the people, a leader dedicated to changing a broken status quo, and the trusted, authentic voice Kentucky needs right now. Out of the entire field, Charles is the only person poised to build the coalitions needed to win in November. I hope everyone joins me in getting behind Charles in this race. This is not a time to sit on the sidelines. This is our opportunity to take back the seat McConnell has held for four decades, and bring an inspiring vision to transform our future.”
Yarmuth represented Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, which includes Louisville, from 2007 until 2023. In 2013, he became the sole Democrat representing Kentucky in either chamber of Congress. In 2019, he rose to congressional leadership, serving as Chair of the House Budget Committee until his retirement in 2023.
Booker and Yarmuth share a history that dates back to Booker’s time as a staff member on Yarmuth’s campaigns in 2010 and 2012. Yarmuth’s mentorship has shaped Booker’s professional development and his approach to public service. Yarmuth also endorsed Booker during his 2022 U.S. Senate campaign, making today’s endorsement a continued expression of confidence in Booker’s vision for Kentucky.
On Congressman Yarmuth’s endorsement, Booker said,“I am humbled beyond words to receive this resounding endorsement. Not only do I admire Congressman Yarmuth’s remarkable leadership for Kentucky, it was his example that inspired me to find my own voice as a public servant. At a time when so much is at stake, his decision to endorse my candidacy and our campaign is a powerful message that not only is Kentucky in play, but that our campaign is the only one poised to win. It has been my honor to work with and learn from the Congressman, and it is my great privilege to lock arms with him, and Kentuckians from the hood to the holler, as we build the movement to replace Mitch McConnell.”
The Democratic primary to determine the party’s nominee will be held on May 19th, 2026.