Lexington mayor wins primary, will face Rand Paul

Lexington Democratic Mayor Jim Gray has won the party’s nomination for Senate, setting the stage for him to take on Republican Sen. Rand Paul in the fall. 

Gray, who rose to victory out of a field of six Democratic primary challengers, was the party establishment’s pick — the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee endorsed him back in March. And he held a huge fundraising advantage, thanks in no small part to a $1 million personal loan. 

The Associated Press quickly called Democratic race, about a half hour after the polls closed in Kentucky. Paul was declared the GOP  primary winner moments after polls closed. 

The mayor is looking to become just the second openly gay member of the Senate, but faces long odds. Kentucky Democrats have faced four high-profile losses in statewide races since 2010, most recently major gubernatorial and senatorial races. 

— This post was corrected at 7:59 p.m.