Former attorney general and McConnell protege Daniel Cameron wasted no time making it official, announcing his candidacy for Senate less than an hour after McConnell's speech on Thursday.
Lexington Republican Rep. Andy Barr didn't follow suit, but the lawmaker — who has expressed interest in the seat — took to social media to say Kentucky "deserves a senator who will fight for President Trump." He hinted at a decision soon.
Earlier in February, pro-Trump businessman Nate Morris said he's weighing a run and lobbed sharp attacks at the anticipated high profile candidates.
"The last thing Kentucky needs is another weak Republican who is nothing more than a puppet for Mitch McConnell," he said in the post.
Other potential GOP names that had been floated include Rep. Thomas Massie, former UN ambassador Kelly Craft, and Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers.
On the Democratic side, attention immediately shifted to Gov. Andy Beshear, who quickly shot down any speculation that he might cut his second term short in favor of a run for higher office.
Pressed on his answer, he said his decision to stay out of the Senate contest is "definitive."
Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman is also in the "no" column.
A Democratic strategist told NBC News Beshear adviser Rocky Adkins could be a strong contender.
One Democrat who has filed to raise money for the seat is house minority floor leader, Pamela Stephenson, who says a formal announcement is imminent in the next few weeks.
