Biography

Garland Hale "Andy" Barr IV, born on July 24, 1973, in Lexington, Kentucky, has served as the U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 6th Congressional District since 2013. A member of the Republican Party, Barr has been a prominent figure in Kentucky politics, emphasizing conservative principles and economic policies. In April 2025, he announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated by Senator Mitch McConnell in 2026.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Government and Philosophy, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Virginia .
  • Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law .

• Political Experience:

  • Legislative Assistant to U.S. Representative Jim Talent .
  • Deputy General Counsel for Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher .
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Kentucky's 6th District .
  • Senior member of the House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy Subcommittee.
  • Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; serves on the Indo-Pacific Subcommittee.
  • Appointed to the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party in the 118th Congress.

Notable Achievements

• Legislation:

  • Key architect of the Paycheck Protection Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiding small businesses in maintaining operations and payroll.
  • Introduced the Military Sexual Assault Victims Empowerment Act, advocating for private treatment options for military sexual trauma survivors.
  • Sponsored the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, establishing national standards for horse racing safety and integrity.
  • Authored the Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act, named in honor of his late wife, to promote research on valvular heart disease.

• Community Engagement:

  • Established the Youth Ambassador Leadership Conference, a non-partisan program for high school students in Kentucky's 6th District, fostering leadership and civic engagement.

Barr's tenure in Congress reflects a commitment to conservative economic policies, national security, and community development, positioning him as a significant figure in both Kentucky and national politics.