Eight-term Louisville Congressman John Yarmuth is stepping down from his seat, and he wants state Sen. Morgan McGarvey to replace him in the nation’s Capitol.
Yarmuth officially endorsed McGarvey in the Democratic primary for the seat during a press conference on Monday morning. Late last year, Yarmuth told reporters he did not intend to endorse anyone in the primary election.
“I’m pleased to be endorsing Morgan McGarvey as a true champion of progressive values and one of the most effective leaders our Kentucky state legislature has ever seen,” said Congressman Yarmuth. “Morgan has shown an ability to build and work in the diverse coalitions necessary to create meaningful change and get the job done for our community and country. That’s exactly what we need more of in Washington.”
McGarvey is competing for the Democratic nomination against state Rep. Attica Scott, who entered the race during the summer of 2021. Scott entered the race while Yarmuth was still telling reporters that he intended to seek another term in 2022.
“It’s an honor to be endorsed by Congressman Yarmuth,” McGarvey said in a statement. “We owe him a debt of gratitude for his service, but I especially want to highlight his work on the legislation that helped our families through this pandemic. It’s the kind of responsive, results-oriented leadership that I want to continue in Congress. I’m running as a working dad of three young kids. I get the urgent need for universal pre-K, paid family leave and more affordable health care. And I’m running to use my experience delivering real results in Frankfort—even up against non-stop GOP extremism—to do the same in Washington.
The money and endorsements are stacked heavily in McGarvey’s favor in the race. The state Senate Democratic leader raised nearly $800,000 in the final quarter of 2021, while Scott brought in just under $82,000, according to Federal Election Commission reports.
The Democratic primary will be held on Tuesday, May 17.
