Democratic governor of deep red state won't compromise on progress
Kentucky is a MAGA stronghold and the epitome of coal mining country, but that hasn’t stopped the state’s governor from going green.
Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear appeared on CBS’ “Face The Nation” on Sunday to tout his latest economic achievement: a $712 million investment in an EV battery manufacturing plant that will create over 1,500 high-tech green energy jobs. This reflects Beshear’s efforts to balance state-focused leadership with broader economic and political considerations—even as he’s rumored to be a 2028 presidential contender.
The wildly popular state leader also took the opportunity to defend transgender people’s rights while highlighting pragmatic economic solutions for a staunchly conservative state.
This comes as Democrats are doubling down on “economic challenges” as a potential focus for midterm elections and the 2028 general election after Republicans won control of every branch of government on Nov. 5. Beshear represents a state that voted Republican Donald Trump into office by 31 percentage points, but a Morning Consult poll showed the Democrat has a 67% approval rating among Bluegrass State voters, showing a rare bipartisan appeal.