Kentucky Rep. Charles Booker considering U.S. Senate run

(LEX 18) — Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker announced he is considering a run for U.S. Senate in 2020, in hopes of taking on Sen. Mitch McConnell.

He made his exploratory committee announcement on Monday afternoon with a video. In it, he said McConnell has not done enough for Kentucky.

"This man knows more than anybody how to work the system in Washington. He's the architect," said Booker. "But, he's done nothing for Kentucky because he's not your neighbor. He's not your brother. He ain't from here."

Booker, 35, is a democrat currently serving his first term in the statehouse. During his time in office, he's been outspoken on voting rights, gun reform, labor laws and criminal justice.

"I'm not the alternative to Mitch McConnell. We are," said Booker. "This isn't the type of deal where someone can just run for officer, or someone can just ask for your vote. Nah, I'm asking for that kind of perseverance you only kind in Kentucky."

In a press release for the announcement, Booker called for "a movement."

"Since we sent Mitch McConnell to Washington, he's become one of the richest politicians in America -- but Kentucky has been left behind. The more power Mitch McConnell has gained in DC, the more we've lost here at home," said Booker. "But really, this isn't about McConnell. This is bigger than any one person. This is bigger than party or politics. This isn't the start of a campaign. This is the beginning of a movement. A movement of the people taking on the powerful. A movement of Kentuckians whose voices haven't been heard.

Booker has announced that he will hold a rally in Louisville on Tuesday. According to a press release, the rally will be "for supporters to launch his exploratory run for the U.S. Senate."

The rally will take place at Port Shaw Community Center on 3713 West Market St. in Louisville.

Doors will open to the public at 1:30 p.m.