Former Kentucky Attorney General (2019-2024). First African American and first Republican since 1943 to hold the AG office. Born November 22, 1985, in Plano, Texas; moved to Elizabethtown, Kentucky as child. Education: University of Louisville (B.S. Political Science, 2008; J.D. 2011). Worked as law clerk for U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove; served as legal counsel to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (2015-2017); practiced law at Stites & Harbison and Frost Brown Todd. Lost 2023 gubernatorial race to Democratic incumbent Andy Beshear. Currently serves as CEO of 1792 Exchange, organization devoted to opposing 'woke capitalism.'
African American from working-class background (mother professor, father owned coffee shop). Awarded McConnell-sponsored scholarship to University of Louisville, where he met McConnell as undergraduate. Rose through legal ranks from clerkship to McConnell's counsel to law firm partnerships. Elected AG in 2019 with Trump endorsement; served 2019-2024, pursuing conservative litigation agenda. Lost gubernatorial race to incumbent Beshear in 2023 by double-digit margin. Married to Makenze Evans Cameron (schoolteacher); two sons Theodore and Bennett.
Supports birthright citizenship and balance of enforcement with constitutional protections
Cameron stated 'If you're born here, you are a citizen of the United States' but supports federal enforcement against those who 'game the system' or exploit legal loopholes. Emphasizes border security and fentanyl prevention.
Voting History: As AG, emphasized border security in context of fentanyl trafficking; opposed Biden administration immigration policies
Pro-development stance seeking energy independence
Supports coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy development; highlights Department of Energy Paducah site role in new technologies.
Voting History: As AG, opposed Green New Deal policies
Pro-life with limited exceptions
Pro-life stance; supported Kentucky's near-total abortion ban as Attorney General (limited exceptions for rape, incest, maternal health risks)
Voting History: Defended Kentucky's Human Life Protection Act and issued advisories criminalizing abortion
As Attorney General (2019-2024), pursued conservative legal agenda under Trump, challenged Biden policies, defended Kentucky laws. Challenged COVID-19 restrictions, opposed vaccine mandates, supported abortion restrictions, pursued ballot integrity investigations.
| Bill | Title | Vote | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breonna Taylor Investigation | Grand Jury Decision Not to Charge Officers | Decision | 2020-09-23 | As special prosecutor, determined not to charge two officers who shot and killed Breonna Taylor, leading to widespread protests and criticism |
| COVID-19 Restrictions Challenge | Legal Challenge to Gov. Beshear Orders | Filed | 2020-07 | Unsuccessfully challenged Beshear's COVID-19 restrictions; asked judge to invalidate all orders and bar future COVID orders |
| Abortion Clinic Regulation | Pushed for AG Power to Regulate Abortion Clinics | Advocated | 2020-03-27 | Called for halting abortions during pandemic; legislature voted to give AG power to regulate abortion clinics (vetoed by Beshear) |
More formal and official tone in public statements compared to competitors. Emphasizes statesmanship and track record rather than populist outsider messaging.
Cameron and Barr are 'fully-owned subsidiaries of the McConnell Machine'
Morris's campaign attacks both main establishment-aligned opponents
Cameron is 'about to lose another statewide race'
Reference to Cameron's 2023 gubernatorial loss to Beshear