Horse trainer Dale Romans plans to launch a Democratic Senate campaign in Kentucky, targeting the seat Mitch McConnell will vacate after seven terms. Romans describes himself as an independent Democrat who would pattern his approach after former West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, serving as a swing vote rather than consistently backing party leadership.
The 59-year-old Romans, whose thoroughbred Shackleford captured the 2011 Preakness Stakes, faces formidable obstacles in a state where no Democrat has won a Senate race since 1992. Four other Democratic candidates are already competing for the nomination, including Amy McGrath, who spent nearly $93 million losing to McConnell by almost 20 points in 2020.
Romans particularly opposes the Trump administration's immigration enforcement, arguing that deportations harm Kentucky industries, including horse racing at Churchill Downs, where he estimates 90 percent of workers are Mexican and Guatemalan immigrants. He also criticizes tariffs affecting the bourbon sector and said he would not automatically support Chuck Schumer remaining as Democratic leader.
The 59-year-old Romans, whose thoroughbred Shackleford captured the 2011 Preakness Stakes, faces formidable obstacles in a state where no Democrat has won a Senate race since 1992. Four other Democratic candidates are already competing for the nomination, including Amy McGrath, who spent nearly $93 million losing to McConnell by almost 20 points in 2020.
Romans particularly opposes the Trump administration's immigration enforcement, arguing that deportations harm Kentucky industries, including horse racing at Churchill Downs, where he estimates 90 percent of workers are Mexican and Guatemalan immigrants. He also criticizes tariffs affecting the bourbon sector and said he would not automatically support Chuck Schumer remaining as Democratic leader.
