CHARLES BOOKER LAUNCHES ‘REPUBLICANS FOR BOOKER’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Contact: press@charlesbookerky.org

CHARLES BOOKER LAUNCHES ‘REPUBLICANS FOR BOOKER’

LOUISVILLE, KY — Following his commanding performance yesterday in the sole debate of the Kentucky U.S. Senate race, Charles Booker is announcing "REPUBLICANS FOR BOOKER.” This is a grassroots initiative for Republicans eager to move beyond the corrupt politics of those like Mitch McConnell and Andy Barr. In other words, they’re ready to put people over party and support Booker’s Kentucky First agenda.

“No matter their party, Kentuckians are looking for a Senator who will put common sense over corruption,” said Charles Booker. “Our campaign is focused on the major issues facing Kentucky, which is why we’re talking about lowering costs, particularly gas and grocery prices, providing affordable healthcare to every Kentuckian, ending the war in Iran, and standing up against hyperscale AI data center construction projects.”

“When we announced this campaign, we wanted Kentuckians to know that we were standing for all of them, Democratic, Republican, or Independent. Price labels don’t care about party affiliation. Republicans for Booker is a testament to that commitment. If you’re tired of the DC corruption, then this is a campaign for you. If you’re tired of broken promises from politicians like Andy Barr, who fail to deliver for the people of Kentucky cycle after cycle, then this campaign is for you.”

During last night’s debate, Charles told the story of Mary Lou Abner, Vice President of the Ridgeway Park Tenant Union. Earlier this year, Abner helped win the first collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in the South against their out-of-state landlord Jason Ostro. However, Ostro refused to make agreed-upon repairs and repeatedly threatened evictions against union members who posted “Tenant Union Strong!” signs on their own homes.

As constituents, Abner and her fellow tenants went to Andy Barr for help. However, despite initially promising assistance, he proceeded to ignore them completely. Following last night’s debate, Republican and former Andy Barr supporter Abner had this to say about backing Charles Booker for Senate:

“Charles Booker was the only one who seemed to understand what folks like me are dealing with, and he actually told us what he’s gonna do to help. I’ve felt forgotten for so long, like nobody up there cares what happens to people like me. And tonight, hearing him talk about the things I struggle with every single day, it just meant something to me. For once, I felt like somebody heard me. Like somebody actually cares. I never thought I’d get that emotional just listening to somebody speak, but I did. God bless Charles Booker,” said Mary Lou Abner.

With just two weeks to go until Election Day, momentum is building for Charles Booker. Following last night’s debate in Lexington, Booker is back on the road continuing his Kentucky Over Politics tour meeting with voters across the Commonwealth as he puts Kentucky First.

Booker also welcomes another debate with Andy Barr, if the latter is willing. “I’ll be there anytime, anywhere, even Fox News, Newsmax, NewsNation, or any Republican Congressional district in the state. Kentuckians deserve another opportunity to hear from both candidates. However, judging by last night, I have a feeling that Barr wants to continue steering clear of the debate stage,” said Booker.

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