Democrats Flip Kentucky Governor; GOP Holds Mississippi

There was a split-decision in the two gubernatorial races contested on Tuesday.

Kentucky Governor 

Unpopular Republican Gov. Matt Bevin lost his bid for a 2nd term to his Democratic opponent, Attorney General Andy Beshear. Bevin has thus far refused to concede the closely-contested race, which was only decided by about 5,000 votes.

Bevin's loss came despite a last-minute visit by President Trump on Monday. It wasn't enough to save the governor, who had alienated many groups during his term. He recently polled as the most unpopular governor in the country.

Bevin was also up against a moderate Democrat with a well-known family name. Beshear's father Steve was a two-term governor of Kentucky who immediately preceded Bevin.

The GOP had a good night in down-ballot elections, sweeping other state-wide races. This serves to highlight the specific dynamics of the governor's race that led to a Democratic win in this deep red state.

Mississippi Governor

Term-limited Republican Gov. Phil Bryant will be succeeded by Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, who defeated Attorney General Jim Hood by about 6 points. It was the hardest-fought Mississippi gubernatorial race since 2003 which was also the year Hood was elected to his current office. 

Hood is the only Democrat to currently hold a statewide office in the state. There will be none in January as Republican Lynn Fitch won the race for attorney general over Democrat Jennifer Collins.

Louisiana Governor

Up next is the runoff for governor of Louisiana, to be held on Saturday, November 16.  Unlike Tuesday's races, the current incumbent of this deep red state is a Democrat, John Bel Edwards. The race is seen as a toss-up, with recent polling within the margin of error. President Trump will be in the state Wednesday to campaign for GOP challenger Eddie Rispone.

comments powered by Disqus

Headlines

Reps. Evans and Johnson to Leave House; Now 16 Retirements in 2026 Cycle

Both represent safe seats for the incumbent party; Johnson is running for South Dakota governor

Live Results: New York City Ranked Choice Tabulation

Zohran Mamdani is expected to move one step closer to being certified as the Democratic nominee for mayor

Sen. Thom Tillis Will Not Seek Reelection Next Year

He had come under attack from Trump after voting "no" to advance the president's signature legislation

Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon Not Seeking Reelection in 2026

A formal announcement will come Monday; Bacon was seen as among the more endangered Republicans next year

Overview and Live Results: New York City Mayoral Primary

Several other city offices are on the ballot