Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr has won his first re-election campaign in Kentucky's 6th congressional district.
Barr was leading Democratic challenger Elisabeth Jensen in early returns Tuesday night. Barr defeated Democratic Congressman Ben Chandler in 2012 in a district that was redrawn to favor Democrats. In his first term, Barr sponsored bills that would have imposed term limits and reduced politicians' pay if they failed to cut spending.
Jensen is president of an education nonprofit in Lexington. She garnered attention for running radio ads against Barr for voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act, one of the few Democratic candidates in a Republican-leaning state to try that strategy.
Elisabeth Jensen released a concession statement Tuesday night. "While we weren't successful tonight, we sent a strong message that we want our issues considered - like jobs, health care, education, protections for our seniors, and fair pay," Jensen said. She says she will stay in Kentucky and keep working.
"I will be here in Central Kentucky, working with you to make our communities stronger, healthier, and smarter," Jensen said. "I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and keep working."