Charles Booker

Incumbent Republican Sen. Rand Paul defeated his Democratic opponent Charles Booker and will head back to Washington, D.C. for a third six-year term, according to initial returns.

Booker's run marks a shift in the kind of candidates the Democratic Party and Kentucky’s voters normally choose.

Charles Booker was on his own during the candidate forum after Rand Paul didn’t respond to an invitation from KET.

Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul did not respond to an invitation to debate Democratic challenger Charles Booker on Kentucky’s statewide public television network, KET.

Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Charles Booker’s campaign announced Thursday that fellow Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear is backing the candidate in his bid against incumbent Republican Sen. Rand Paul in November’s general election.

It’s Fancy Farm time in western Kentucky – when Graves County becomes the center of the state’s political sphere. And Kentucky Public Radio will be tracking all of the political happenings around the Purchase Area this weekend through this live blog.

Republican incumbent Sen. Rand Paul has so far out-fundraised Democratic candidate Charles Booker, according to recent data.

Booker has already made history as the first Black nominee in a federal election in Kentucky. But he’s hoping his candidacy will do more.

A prominent member of Kentucky’s Republican legislative leadership will be the emcee of the 142nd Fancy Farm picnic in August, hosting the annual event in Graves County known for political speeches, rhetorical barbs, barbeque and bingo.

Rand Paul and Charles Booker will square off in this year's U.S. Senate race, after defeating several little-known primary opponents.