Booker says hackers hit his team as Jefferson County sees 71,863 early votes

Democratic Senate candidate Charles Booker said his campaign was targeted by overseas hackers this week. The attack occurred as 71,863 voters in Jefferson County cast ballots during the early voting period that ended on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office reported that early voting ran from Thursday, Oct. 29 through Saturday, Oct. 31. Officials confirmed the process went smoothly with no reported issues. Data from the office shows 47,497 registered Democrats voted early, compared to 18,552 registered Republicans.

Booker stated that domestic and foreign actors targeted the campaign. He said hackers accessed campaign communication systems, the campaign website, and at least one staffer’s Signal account. “These accounts, they handle a lot of the important conversations about our messaging where we’re going,” Booker said.

Republican political consultant Jake Cox noted that Jefferson County has the highest numbers of registered Republicans and Democrats in the state. He observed that Democrats have embraced early voting while Republicans have traditionally preferred Election Day voting. Cox said the data follows national trends.

Booker is running to succeed Senator Mitch McConnell, who will vacate office. He became the first Kentucky Senate candidate to receive an endorsement from former President Barack Obama. His opponent, Republican Congressman Andy Barr, has received heavy backing from President Donald Trump. Barr’s campaign has not reported any issues.

Barr’s team described Booker as the most extreme major party candidate in Kentucky history. They cited his record for abolishing ICE, defunding police, and supporting the Green New Deal. Barr’s team stated, “Andy Barr will win for Kentucky common sense on Tuesday.”

Booker said he prefers to let the voting numbers speak. He added that he will pray for Barr and defeat him on the third. The total of 71,863 early votes in Jefferson County reflects a steady increase over the last six years since rules requiring an approved reason for early voting were lifted.