Dale Romans, a celebrated Kentucky racehorse trainer with over 2,250 wins including prestigious races like the Dubai World Cup and three Breeders’ Cup victories, has announced his candidacy for the US Senate seat being vacated by Republican Mitch McConnell. Romans, who has also held leadership roles within Kentucky’s horse racing industry and serves on the state’s Horse Racing & Gaming Corporation, is running as an independent Democrat. He emphasizes his working-class roots and aims to represent everyday Kentuckians rather than career politicians, focusing on protecting workers, reducing overregulation, and addressing affordability issues.

Romans has been critical of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, highlighting their negative impact on the workforce and local businesses, while advocating for secure borders and deportation of undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. He pledges to strengthen healthcare programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act to expand coverage without burdening families financially. Romans joins a crowded field of candidates vying for the 2026 Senate race, with Kentucky’s primary scheduled for May.