The campaign drew national attention in its closing weeks, as Booker swiftly closed a polling gap with McGrath, and because the winner would challenge the Republican leader in the Senate, Mitch McConnell.[30] His surge came after his participation in protests over the death of Breonna Taylor.[31][32] However, Booker ultimately lost to Amy McGrath, receiving 42.7% of the vote compared to McGrath’s 45.4%.[33] Upon conceding, Booker released a statement, reading in part:[34]