A recent poll by Cygnal shows Kentucky’s incumbent Governor Andy Beshear (D) tied with Republican nominee Daniel Cameron at 47%, each.
“We’re starting to see the landscape take shape and set the tone for what’s in store in the 2024 cycle,” said pollster Brent Buchanan, President of Cygnal. “With President Biden’s numbers continuing to plummet in the commonwealth, Republicans have an opportunity to capitalize on turning out those voters who currently view the incumbent Democrat Andy Beshear favorably but have completely soured on the President.”
Cameron has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump and is considered a rising young star in the GOP. As an African American attorney general in a southern state, Cameron will likely enjoy an influx of additional campaign funds from out of the state, which could pose a major challenge for Beshear. In 2019, Beshear narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Matt Bevin by less than one percentage point. A Morning Consult poll showed Beshear’s approval rating at around 59 percent, which is high mark heading into re-election, but with so many months until 2023 Election Day, there is still plenty of time for challengers to pull even.
As the Attorney General of Kentucky, Cameron gained statewide and national attention when he demanded records involving COVID school closures that are concealed by Governor Beshear. Cameron describes himself as a bold conservative who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump. As a rising young star in the GOP, Cameron may enjoy the benefit of an influx of additional campaign funds from out of the state, which could pose a major fundraising challenge to Beshear. Cameron’s campaign website is cameronforkentucky.com
Kentucky’s voting population is difficult to gauge. Despite the Democratic Party control of the governor’s mansion, Kentucky voters have supported two Republican U.S. Senators, including minority leader Mitch McConnell, who relied on Cameron for legal counsel.
Cameron touted his positive relationship with both McConnel and Trump as an example of his ability to rally Republicans to unite for a common cause.
“They [Trump and McConnell] have their differences,” Cameron said. “I think what our candidacy means is that we’re able to transcend a lot of different factions within the Republican Party and bring people together. And I think that is what ultimately this candidacy represents.”