Joel Willett, former CIA officer, launches Democratic campaign for U.S. Senate in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – A former CIA officer and military veteran is entering Kentucky’s high-profile U.S. Senate race.

Joel Willett, 41, officially announced his Democratic campaign Wednesday, pointing to the Trump administration’s revocation of his security clearance as a major motivation for running. The Louisville native criticized tax breaks for the wealthy and cuts to Medicaid, saying the current political and economic system is unfair to working families.

Willett’s background includes military service, a career with the CIA, and leadership roles in business. He now joins an already crowded field of Democrats and Republicans vying for the seat being vacated by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell in 2026.