Retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and political candidate from northern Kentucky. Born June 3, 1975. First woman in Marine Corps to fly combat mission and first woman to pilot F/A-18 in combat. Served 20 years, flying 89 combat missions against al-Qaeda and Taliban in Iraq and Afghanistan. Worked as political adviser, liaison officer, and instructor at U.S. Naval Academy. Member of U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors (2022-present). Founded Honor Bound, Inc., nonprofit for leadership development of women with military/service backgrounds, encouraging them to seek elected office. Married to Erik Henderson (retired Navy lieutenant commander, lifelong Republican); three children; resides in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Northern Kentucky native. Inspired to become fighter pilot at age 12 after studying World War II aviation. First woman to fly combat mission in F/A-18 for Marine Corps; first woman to pilot F/A-18 in combat. 20-year Marine career flying 89 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Family: husband Erik (lifelong Republican); three children. Retired from Marines in 2017 to pursue politics. Lost 2018 House race in KY-6 to Andy Barr by 3 points; lost 2020 Senate race to Mitch McConnell by 19+ points despite record fundraising ($94M+). Founded Honor Bound nonprofit. Member of Naval Academy Board of Visitors.
Fiscal conservative with focus on kitchen-table issues
Fights for affordability, wages, healthcare access. Criticizes Trump tariffs as hurting small business. Supports creating billionaire tax. Identifies as fiscal conservative.
Voting History: 2020 Senate and 2018 House campaigns; no voting record
Critical of Trump while remaining moderate on most issues
Emphasizes threats to democracy and authoritarian concerns. 'I'll be a bulwark against authoritarianism and threats to our democracy.' Willing to work across party lines.
Voting History: No prior voting record
Supports ACA/Affordable Care Act; opposes harsh restrictions
Supports preserving and improving ACA; criticizes healthcare system complexity. Calls for rural hospital protection.
Voting History: Support for ACA in past campaigns
Strong national defense; critical of endless wars
20-year Marine veteran; strong military credentials. Opposes endless military interventions. Criticized Iran strikes as inconsistent with Trump's stated opposition to endless wars.
Voting History: Opposed Iran military strikes in March 2026 statement
Moderate: wants enforcement but not mass deportation; 'reining in' rather than abolishing ICE
When asked about ICE abolition, responded 'I think, like many Kentuckians, ICE definitely needs to be reined in.' Softer position than Booker's SALT Plan advocating ICE abolition.
Voting History: No prior voting record
No voting record; has never held elected office. Prior military service and nonprofit leadership.
Dignified, professional tone emphasizing service and leadership. Positions as statesperson rather than partisan warrior. More measured approach than some Democratic opponents.
Responded to McGrath's 2026 entry: 'Bring it on, Amy. This will be fun. I beat you once, and I'll beat you again.'
Barr's prior victory over McGrath in 2018 House race