LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In one of the nation's most highly watched races, Democrat Andy Beshear came out on top Tuesday night and was re-elected as governor of Kentucky.
It was a contentious gubernatorial race with current attorney general Daniel Cameron, who sought to become the state’s first Black governor. However, Beshear beat his Republican competitor by about 5% of the vote.
The Associated Press called the race just before 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Beshear took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to celebrate his massive win.
"To my fellow Kentuckians: Thank you. This is our chance to turn these four years of progress into decades of prosperity for your kids and mine. Let's make it happen together. ^AB"
He also posted on X the next day saying, "Glad to keep the short commute. Let's get to work, Kentucky."
RELATED: BESHEAR WINS! | Voters send current Kentucky governor back to Frankfort to serve second term
Here's what fellow political leaders and analysts had to say:
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
"Congratulations Andy Beshear!! A huge win for our city and our Commonwealth."
U.S. Congressman Morgan McGarvey
"Congrats Andy Beshear and Jacqueline Coleman!!!"
Secretary of State Michael Adams
"Congratulations to Governor Beshear, Lt. Governor Coleman, and our new down-ticket constitutional officers. I look forward to working with each of you in good faith the next 4 years to move our Commonwealth forward."
Hillary Clinton
"Gov. Beshear, a Democrat in Kentucky who has been a very good solid governor but also ran on abortion, had one of the best ads of the entire campaign about a young woman who'd been raped and who said this should be my decision. He went right into it. He also ran on red flag laws that if you know somebody is dangerous, they should not be able to buy a gun. We ought to know that by now. I had a really good feeling about the election yesterday."
Kentucky House Democratic Caucus Leaders Derrick Graham, Cherlynn Stevenson and Rachel Roberts
“Like Governor Beshear said, you don’t fire a coach when the team is winning, and his victory tonight is proof that a bipartisan majority of Kentucky voters agree. His administration oversaw record economic growth, record-low unemployment, and record state revenues. That trifecta speaks volumes, as does his leadership during a worldwide pandemic and two of the biggest natural disasters Kentucky has ever seen. We want to congratulate him – and the other winning candidates – and look forward to working closely with them over the next four years. The campaign is over; now is the time to govern.”
Jefferson County Republican Party Chair Don Fitzpatrick
“While we were disappointed in outcome of Tuesday’s Gubernatorial election, we were honored to actively support Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s candidacy across Jefferson County these past months. Daniel ran an issues-oriented campaign that focused on policies to improve the lives of all Kentuckians. Whether in the private or public sectors, we are confident that he will continue to move Kentucky forward.
We are pleased to congratulate our newly elected Attorney General Russell Coleman; Treasurer Mark Metcalf; Auditor Allison Ball; and Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell; as well as Secretary of State, Michael Adams, on his reelection. This slate of experienced Conservatives, working with our Republican legislature, are well prepared to lead Kentucky in the right direction, while continuing to hold Governor Beshear accountable.
Thank you to all the volunteers who supported our candidates by making phone calls, knocking on doors, and attending the many events we held. We also appreciate those who worked as election officials. Looking forward, the Jefferson County Republican Party will continue our efforts to promote Metro Council, Legislative, and other local races in 2024, while supporting the Republican nominee for President, and extending our outreach into all segments of the Louisville community. “
Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), District 25
“I want to congratulate Governor Beshear on winning the governor’s race.”
“While we are disappointed in the outcome of the gubernatorial election, nothing substantial will change as it relates to the efforts of the Kentucky General Assembly. I am hopeful that in his second term, though, the Governor will choose to work collaboratively with his co-equal branch of government. This General Assembly remains committed to a fiscally responsible budget and creating an environment for economic growth.”
“Regardless of the outcome, the Republican supermajorities in the House and Senate are the ones who have delivered on tax reform and a large budget reserve. We are committed to the conservative values and policies we have championed since 2017. Our constituents can remain confident we will bring forth legislation to protect Kentucky families from some of the extreme agendas of the Beshear and Biden administrations.”
Fairness Campaign Executive Director Chris Hartman
"Kentucky just reelected its most pro-LGBTQ governor ever, Andy Beshear. Tonight is a resounding victory for LGBTQ Kentuckians, and especially transgender kids, who were forced to bear the brunt of attacks not just from the Kentucky General Assembly, but also by Daniel Cameron, who sought to score cheap political points with anti-trans attack ads and harmful rhetoric. It didn't work. Let this be a lesson for all Kentucky politicians--you don't gain anything by continuing to attack Kentucky's trans kids. Leave trans kids alone and focus on the real problems facing our commonwealth, just like Governor Andy Beshear."
Political Scientist and author Larry Sabato
"Well nobody thinks that this is going to make Kentucky competitive in presidential races or certainly not the one next year, but it's a significant victory and it's remarkable that Beshear has been able to expand considerably on his very narrow margin of victory four years ago against the remarkably unpopular Republican governor incumbent. I think he's done so well that he's shown Democrats how you can win rural areas while not abandoning all the Democratic positions. He has most of them, maybe not in the energy field but most of the others. I think he's put himself on a long list of potential presidential and vice presidential candidates in 2028."
Republican Consultant Iris Wilbur Glick
"I am confident that Gov. Andy Beshear will be in the mix in the national discussion. Will it be '24? According to Gov. Beshear, as of a couple hours ago, he's committed to the Commonwealth. It would not surprise me maybe four years from now when we're up against another presidential campaign, but even before then -- administration, some other appointment positions, sky's the limit."
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