Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear has just won reelection in Kentucky, beating his opponent, Attorney General Daniel Cameron, in a state that voted for former President Donald Trump by 26 percentage points in 2020. Beshear’s victory, which rested on the strength of his candidacy and popularity as governor, as well as his focus on issues like abortion rights, could help provide some lessons for Democrats going into 2024.
Gubernatorial elections are notably different from federal races for Congress and the presidency, but Beshear’s success offers some takeaways for Democrats ahead of next year. For one, it shows that a quality candidate can help boost the party’s chances even in more Republican states. Additionally, it suggests that the economy and abortion rights continue to be motivating issues for many voters. Plus, it indicates that candidates in red states and swing states might have to distance themselves from President Joe Biden in order to make the necessary gains.
Below are a few ways Beshear kept Kentucky competitive for Democrats, despite the challenging fundamentals in the state.
A strong candidacy
Beshear, who is the son of a former Kentucky governor and is about to wrap up his first four-year term, was an exceptionally strong candidate.
One of the most popular governors in America, Beshear had solid approval ratings from Democrats, some Republicans, and independents. According to a Morning Consult poll conducted between July and September 2023, his overall approval rating was 60 percent, while his approval rating from Republicans was 43 percent and his approval rating from independents was 58 percent.
This support helped him face a difficult race. The state leans Republican, with registered Republicans comprising 45.8 percent of the electorate, Democrats making up 44.2 percent, and independent or third-party voters making up 10 percent, as of May 2023. In federal presidential and Senate elections, state voters have consistently voted for the…
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