Rand Paul re-elected to Senate

WASHINGTON (AP/WTVQ) – Rand Paul will return to the U.S. Senate following a failed presidential campaign that changed the way Kentuckians vote for the country’s highest office.

Paul defeated Lexington Mayor Jim Gray to win a second six-year term on Tuesday. The Republican from Bowling Green was known nationally for his once-favored presidential bid, but could not muster enough support to challenge eventual nominee Donald Trump.

Paul ran for president and re-election at the same time, even donating $250,000 to the state Republican Party to hold a presidential caucus so Paul would avoid a state law banning candidates from appearing on the ballot twice in the same election.

Gray was trying to become Kentucky’s first openly gay U.S. senator. He said Paul was more concerned about being president than solving Kentucky’s problems

Mayor Jim Gray, who challenged Paul for his Senate seat, says his team fought hard. Gray told ABC 36 News that he felt he could bring much-needed change to Washington.

Senator Mitch McConnell offered his thoughts on Paul’s victory, saying, “Tonight is a great night for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I want to congratulate my friend and Senate colleague, Rand Paul, for his resounding victory.”