Trump endorsement lifts Rep. Andy Barr to win in Kentucky Senate primary

Rep. Andy Barr won Kentucky's crowded Republican Senate primary, setting up a November showdown to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell.

Barr, a seven-term House member, defeated 10 other candidates in the race. A late endorsement from President Donald Trump proved decisive in the contest.

"We did have a lead before the endorsement," Barr said at a campaign event on Monday. "Our lead has skyrocketed since then in the polling that we're looking at, but we don't take anything for granted."

Trump praised Barr's loyalty and said he was the only candidate who would easily defeat the Democrat in what he called one of the most important elections in American history. The president also highlighted Barr's support for eliminating the filibuster to pass the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility Act.

"He will do everything in his power to get it done," Trump said. "It is desperately needed by the Republican Party to pass the SAVE AMERICA ACT, and all other things necessary for a strong and brilliant Country!"

Barr's main opponent, former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, had said voters were tired of Washington games and wanted someone looking out for their interests. Cameron ran without Trump's endorsement.

The winner in November will replace McConnell, the longest-serving Republican leader in Senate history.