McConnell Senate Challenger Raps to 'What's Poppin', Calls on Kentucky to 'Get Rid of Mitch'

A Democratic lawmaker challenging Senator Mitch McConnell for his Kentucky seat is channeling rapper Jack Harlow in his bid to defeat the Senate majority leader.

Charles Booker posted a video to Twitter on Monday showing his version of Harlow's "What's Poppin," changing the lyrics to take aim at Kentucky's six-term senator.

"What's poppin? Get rid of Mitch, no problem," Booker rapped in the video. "We got options. No more status quo, we all in."

Booker—currently a state representative from Louisville—is one of several Democratic challengers for the contest, but lost out to former fighter pilot Amy McGrath in the battle for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee's endorsement. The state Democratic primary will be held on May 19.

Last week, Booker—who is running on a progressive platform—criticized the DSCC decision as "running to the soft center." He added: "We've tried it their way, and we've lost."

Booker argued that the party "shouldn't be in the business of interfering in primaries before voters have had a chance to make their voices heard" and accused the DSCC of trying to "put their thumb on the scale...and tell us who to vote for."

Booker touted some of his key policy proposals in his rap, including Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. "Step up Kentucky, we building a movement," Booker said. "We got to get moving."

"Really want to send Mitch packing? Vote for Charles Booker," Booker said to finish his rap. He wrote alongside the video: "What's Poppin'? The movement! Taking our future back, and having a little fun while at it!" He added that his daughter suggested he "leave the rapping" to 21-year-old Harlow.

McConnell has held his Kentucky seat since 1984, serving as Senate minority leader from 2006 to 2015 and majority leader since the Republicans regained control of the chamber.

McConnell is one of the most powerful figures in Washington, though he is one of the most unpopular senators in the country. Morning Consult's Senator Approval Rankings list puts McConnell second last in the approval rankings with 50 percent disapproval among Kentucky voters.

This unpopularity means McConnell may face a tougher-than-expected re-election battle. In November, House Budget Committee Chairman and Kentucky Rep. John Yarmuth said the Democrats have "a shot" at toppling McConnell, though noted "it's going to be tough."

McGrath remains the Democratic favorite to take on McConnell. After she received the DSCC endorsement, group chair Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto said McGrath is "a courageous leader who has spent her career taking risks and inspiring others to service."

"Instead of playing politics and doing the bidding of special interests, Amy will make sure that Kentuckians get the fair shot they deserve," Masto said.