We have a new entry in the race for Mitch McConnell’s U.S. Senate seat:

Democrat Amy McGrath, a retired Marine aviator, on Monday entered the Senate campaign in Kentucky, vowing to be a “bulwark against authoritarianism” in launching a comeback bid after being trounced by Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell in 2020.

McGrath joins a growing field of Republicans and Democrats competing in the 2026 midterms for the seat occupied since the mid-1980s by McConnell, who is retiring when his current term ends.

Once seen as a rising Democratic star in a GOP-dominated state, McGrath touted her combat experience but lost elections for Congress in 2018 and the Senate two years later. McGrath flew in 89 combat missions against al-Qaeda and the Taliban during her 20-year Marine career.

“I swore an oath to defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” McGrath said in a statement Monday. “Running for Senate is an extension of that oath. I’ll be a bulwark against authoritarianism and threats to our democracy. Even if we don’t see eye to eye on every issue, you’ll always know where I stand: on the side of Kentucky and democracy.”

If Andy Beshear doesn’t run for the Senate, this is probably the biggest Democratic name in Kentucky available to vie for the opening. But having lost twice for congressional seats, would a third try be a charm for McGrath?