Former Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker (D), who’s running for the open U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), is reminding Kentucky voters that the world’s richest man has donated millions to one of his Republican opponents.
Booker, who was named Executive Director of Kentucky’s Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and Community Involvement in 2023 by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, wrote: “This is your reminder that Elon Musk donated 10 million dollars to a JD Vance clone running for Senate here in Kentucky. I am statistically tied with Elon’s pet candidate, and we are leading the Democratic field by double digits. We are going to beat the big money, Stop The Musk, and flip this Senate seat.”
This is your reminder that Elon Musk donated 10 million dollars to a JD Vance clone running for Senate here in Kentucky.
I am statistically tied with Elon’s pet candidate, and we are leading the Democratic field by double digits.
We are going to beat the big money, Stop The…
— Charles Booker (@Booker4KY) February 24, 2026
Note: In January, Musk reportedly donated $10 million to a super PAC to support Republican candidate Nate Morris, CEO of Rubicon Technologies who has “family ties to Appalachia” (like Vance) and is running as “a political outsider” and loyal supporter of President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement.
Huge news for my friend @NateMorris! Nate will be a great senator for Kentucky. https://t.co/d0bYaXD1GL
— Jim Banks (@Jim_Banks) January 19, 2026
Booker is campaigning hard on the fact that he is not receiving millions from billionaires. As seen in the announcement below, which says he is the frontrunner in the Democratic primary, Booker wrote: “I am not the big money candidate, nor the establishment pick. But the people are making their voices heard, and we are ready for real change. This is OUR moment!”
I have some big news, and I am humbled to share it with you.
A NEW KY SENATE POLL SHOWS OUR LEAD IN THE PRIMARY IS GROWING!
I am not the big money candidate, nor the establishment pick. But the people are making their voices heard, and we are ready for real change. This is OUR… pic.twitter.com/zGh6rSPA4e
— Charles Booker (@Booker4KY) February 5, 2026
In the Democratic primary, Booker will again face former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath. Both vied for the party nomination in 2020 to unseat McConnell. McGrath beat Booker in the primary before losing to McConnell in the general election by nearly 20 points. Note: McGrath outraised McConnell $90 million to $57 million.
NOTE: An Emerson College poll done in February showed Booker with 30% support among likely Democratic primary voters, with 19% for McGrath and a weighty 43% undecided.