2023 Kentucky Election Results
All eyes were on Kentucky today as Democratic incumbent Governor Andy Beshear fought to keep his seat against sitting GOP Attorney General Daniel Cameron in what was the most expensive Governor's race in the state's history.
Up until the week before the election, most polls showed Governor Beshear holding the lead. However, last week, a poll came out showing the race neck-and-neck headed into election day. Ultimately, Governor Beshear was able to hold the Governor's Mansion by a 53%-47% margin (based on unofficial results). Most notably Beshear won several key counties including: Boyle, Bourbon, Scott, Madison, Henderson, Warren, and Daviess.
In terms of the election's outcome on the 2024 General Assembly, we'll likely continue to see the Republican-led legislature face off with the Governor, which will likely include differing opinions about many budget and legislative priorities. This means the Legislature will continue to do their most important work before the veto recess period in order to preserve their veto override power.
Additionally, the down-ticket races held few surprises as Republicans continue to control all seats (all results unofficial as of 10pm):
Attorney General: Republican Russell Coleman, former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, beat sitting Democratic Kentucky House member Pamela Stevenson, a retired Air Force colonel, by a 58%-42% margin.
Secretary of State: Sitting Republican incumbent Secretary Michael Adams held off a challenge from Democratic State House member Buddy Wheatley by a 61%-39% margin. Adams was also the leading vote-getter of any candidate based on unofficial results.
Auditor of Public Accounts: Term-limited Republican State Treasurer Allison Ball won her race against Democrat Kim Reeder, a tax attorney, by a 61%-39% margin.
Commissioner of Agriculture: Former Republican State House Majority Floor Leader Jonathan Shell, a farmer, handily won his race against Democrat Sierra Enlow, an economic development advisor, by a 59%-41% margin.
State Treasurer: Republican Mark Metcalfe, the sitting Garrard County attorney, won his challenge against Democrat Michael Bowman, who was the 2019 Democratic nominee for State Treasurer, by a 57%-43% margin.
HOUSE SPECIAL ELECTION
Earlier this summer, Representative Lamin Swann of the 93rd District in Fayette County passed away unexpectedly. Democrat Adrielle Camuel, a school administrator, came out ahead with a 58%-42% margin in the fight against Republican Kyle Whalen, a home builder.
LOOKING AHEAD
Stay tuned for an upcoming session preview from Government Strategies in which we'll delve a little deeper into the nuances of the election results and their implications for Kentucky.
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