FRANKFORT — Kentucky Republican leaders, including U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, celebrated the groundbreaking of an expansion to their party’s headquarters in Frankfort. This expansion, often referred to as the house that Mitch built, is possible due to more than $3 million in donations from corporate interests, made possible by a 2017 law change that legalized such contributions.
The Republican Party of Kentucky has called its headquarters home for 50 years, located near the state Capitol. The expansion will add around 6,800 square feet of office and meeting space, including a 160-seat auditorium. The design aims to blend with the nearby residential area.
McConnell highlighted the growth of the party during the ceremony, crediting teamwork and collective effort over the years. He praised the progress of the Republican Party, which now dominates Kentucky politics.
The project is being funded by large donations from corporate entities like Pfizer Inc., which contributed $1 million, and other companies such as AT&T and Verizon. Thanks to a 2017 state law, corporations are allowed to donate unlimited amounts to party building funds, which enabled this funding.
During the event, McConnell reflected on his rise in Kentucky politics, sharing how he first won his Senate seat in 1984. Many speakers emphasized McConnell’s leadership and the influence he has had in shaping the party’s success in Kentucky.
The Republican Party now holds significant power in the state, controlling the Kentucky House and Senate, along with almost all statewide offices except governor and lieutenant governor. McConnell himself announced earlier this year that he plans to step down as Senate Republican leader at the end of 2024.
State House Speaker David Osborne and other prominent Republicans also praised McConnell for his leadership, which they believe helped the party grow rapidly. The project is expected to continue throughout the year, with no clear completion date yet.