Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
34.5%
11%
Kentucky Republican Senate nominee?
$333.5K
MAY 26, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleBusinesswoman
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyTrump-aligned Republican
Age64 years old (Feb 24, 1962)
GenderFemale
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LocationKentucky
BackgroundBusinesswoman
Notable personal detailsKelly Dawn Craft is an American businesswoman and former U.S. diplomat who served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (2019–2021) and previously as U.S. Ambassador to Canada (2017–2019). She also served as a U.S. alternate delegate to the United Nations during the George W. Bush administration. Craft has been involved in Republican politics and has also held roles connected to higher-education governance in Kentucky, including service with the University of Kentucky’s Board of Trustees and related committees.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orguky.edukentucky.comaxios.comcorim.qc.caes.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia-on-ipfs.orgforbes.comrcinet.cacsis.orgunfoundation.orguknow.uky.edulpm.orgdiplomatictimes.netapnews.comkentuckyliving.comwashingtonpost.comspectrumnews1.comkentuckylantern.comwbko.comwashingtonexaminer.comcongress.govfoxnews.comwkms.orgwnky.commerkley.senate.govthe-independent.comndtv.comwkyt.comwlky.comclick2houston.comkelly.senate.govassets.apnews.comx.commobile.x.comtwitter.comtransparency.x.comcruz.senate.govrepublicanleader.senate.govfec.govvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgforeign.senate.govcommons.wikimedia.orgd2v9ipibika81v.cloudfront.netwikidata.orgsenate.govhistory.house.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Healthcare
Kelly Craft has supported imposing work or community‑service requirements for able‑bodied Medicaid recipients and described Medicaid as a pathway from poverty to work. Her campaign commentary emphasizes encouraging employment, education, or service as conditions for some Medicaid recipients rather than expanding entitlement-style programs.
Immigration & Border
Advocates for stronger border security and enforcement, framing the southern border as a source of illegal drugs (notably fentanyl) and saying securing borders is a top priority; has expressed support for law enforcement to address smuggling and illegal entry while also acknowledging the U.S. as a nation that welcomes legal immigrants. Her public statements emphasize enforcement and border controls rather than expanded legal pathways or regularization.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Kelly Craft identifies as pro‑life and supports exceptions for the life of the mother and in cases of rape and incest, but has said she would not seek to change Kentucky’s existing near‑total abortion ban if elected governor. She has expressed support for measures to improve adoption and foster care alongside her pro‑life stance.
Climate & Energy
The candidate acknowledges that human activity and fossil fuels have contributed to climate change and says it poses risks, but she has declined strong international commitments such as rejoining the Paris Agreement and has emphasized protecting jobs and the coal industry; she has also said she would recuse herself from UN discussions involving coal due to family ties. Her public statements balance acceptance of some climate science with a priority on energy-sector interests and limiting regulatory burdens.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports strong protection of the Second Amendment and opposes new gun-control measures, while emphasizing mental-health resources and law enforcement funding as responses to gun violence. Has said she would not "touch the Second Amendment or due process" and backed policies like campus carry and allowing police to auction seized weapons rather than restricting them.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMar 14, 2026
Kelly Craft is mentioned in the context of the race to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has said he will not seek reelection. Recent coverage is focused on the crowded GOP primary for Kentucky’s 2026 U.S. Senate election as candidates position themselves after McConnell’s decision.
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Polls
Kentucky Republican Senate nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
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