A spokesman for Barr’s campaign said the Republican operates “one of the most efficient and proactive congressional offices in the country,” calling its dedication to constituent services “unparalleled.”

“Congressman Barr has always said, ‘If you do the job you are elected to do, the politics takes care of itself,’” said Tyler Staker, Barr’s spokesman.

Money also usually takes care of entrenched incumbency.

Barr reported $3.8 million cash on hand in May’s campaign finance filings.

Whereas McGrath had raised $8 million for her 2018 challenge, Cravens will be fortunate if he has tens of thousands of dollars to spend come the fall.

“That’s some heavy lifting, brother,” acknowledged Brewer.

What it means for Kentucky voters

A New York Times analysis in 2022 found that nearly 90% of the U.S. House could be occupied by members who face nearly zero threat of losing a general election. Inside Elections, another outlet that provides nonpartisan analysis of House races, deems only 10 races as true toss-ups in the 2024 cycle.

These double-digit partisan districts are not unique to Kentucky. It’s the trend almost everywhere, designed by state lawmakers to preserve their respective party’s federal lawmakers.

The GOP supermajority in the Kentucky legislature redrew the Congressional districts in 2022, removing Franklin County from the 6th District — which includes the state capital of Frankfort — and adding in deep red Mercer and Garrard counties.

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