Barr edges out Dem Amy McGrath in top Kentucky House race

Rep. Andy BarrAndy BarrKentucky Senate candidate: McConnell ‘couldn’t care less if we die’ House GOP to launch China probes beyond COVID-19 Put entrepreneurs, workers and flexibility in next stimulus package MORE (R-Ky.) is projected to win reelection to Kentucky’s 6th District, fending off a strong challenge by Democrats in one of the most hotly contested House races this cycle.

Barr beat back a tough challenge from Democrat Amy McGrath, a former fighter pilot, in the suburban Lexington district. The Associated Press called the race with 94 percent of precincts reporting, with Barr at 50.9 percent and McGrath 47.9 percent.

It’s a big victory for Republicans who are seeking to limit their losses as they fight to hold onto their House majority and protect suburban districts that have trended away from the party since President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE’s election.

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Democrats felt more bullish about this red district because of McGrath’s candidacy. McGrath burst onto the scene with a viral announcement video and was one of the top Democratic fundraisers of the cycle.

While Trump carried the 6th District by more than 15 points in 2016, the seat became one of the most competitive House battlegrounds in the midterms.

Democrats, who’ve been buoyed by enthusiasm this cycle, were hoping to also sweep some reach districts and expand the House battlefield. While it’s a setback for Democrats, they didn’t need to flip Kentucky’s 6th District for a potential House takeover.

Barr positioned himself as a close ally of the president, who stumped for the congressman in the final days of the midterms.

McGrath, who defeated a primary opponent recruited by national Democrats, campaigned as a political outsider who vowed to reject the partisanship of Washington.

Updated at 9:02 p.m.