Andy Beshear, born on November 29, 1977, in Louisville, Kentucky, is an American attorney and politician serving as the 63rd governor of Kentucky since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, he is the son of former Kentucky governor Steve Beshear.
Andy Beshear’s Political Path to Becoming Governor
- Education and Early Career: Beshear graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and anthropology. He then earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2003. After law school, he worked at an international law firm in Washington, D.C., before returning to Kentucky to continue his legal career at Stites & Harbison, where he was recognized as the nation’s top consumer lawyer by Lawyer Monthly.
- Attorney General of Kentucky: In 2015, Beshear was elected as the 50th Attorney General of Kentucky, serving from 2016 to 2019. During his tenure, he focused on combating the opioid epidemic, creating the Kentucky Opioid Disposal Program to remove unused opioids from homes. He also filed multiple lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies for their role in the crisis.
Andy Beshear’s Most Recent Election Victory
In the 2023 gubernatorial election, Beshear was reelected to a second term by a wider margin of 5%. As of 2024, he and Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman are the only current Democratic statewide elected officials in Kentucky.
Andy Beshear’s Key Proposals and Policies
- Economic Development: Beshear has prioritized attracting businesses to Kentucky. He promoted the state at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, highlighting Kentucky’s workforce and potential for corporate expansion, especially in the electric vehicle battery sector.
- Healthcare Expansion: During his tenure, Beshear expanded healthcare access for 100,000 Kentuckians, aiming to improve public health across the state.
- Education: Beshear has strongly advocated for increased funding for public schools.
Andy Beshear’s Key Vetoes
- Transgender Legislation: In March 2023, Beshear vetoed a controversial bill that would have restricted access to gender-transition procedures for minors claiming to be transgender, stating that it allowed “too much government interference in personal healthcare issues.”
- Housing Voucher Discrimination: In March 2024, he vetoed House Bill 18, which would have allowed landlords to deny tenants solely based on their use of housing vouchers, arguing it would harm vulnerable populations, including homeless veterans.
Andy Beshear’s Stances on Economic Issues
- Job Creation: Beshear has emphasized the importance of creating good-paying jobs across Kentucky, focusing on sectors like manufacturing and technology.
- Infrastructure Investment: He has advocated for significant investments in infrastructure, including roads, clean water, and high-speed internet access, to support economic growth and improve quality of life.
Andy Beshear’s Stances on Social Issues
- LGBTQ+ Issues: Beshear has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ agendas and programs. He vetoed legislation that he believed discriminated against transgender individuals.
- Abortion: He has consistently supported access to abortion services and vetoed anti-abortion bills.
Andy Beshear’s Controversial Statements and Actions
- COVID-19 Restrictions: Beshear faced criticism from some groups for his strict COVID-19 restrictions, including temporary closures of schools and businesses, as well as mandates on mask-wearing and social distancing. While he argued these measures were necessary to protect public health, opponents viewed them as overreach.
- Religious Service Restrictions: During the pandemic, Beshear ordered a halt to in-person religious services to curb the virus’s spread. This decision led to legal challenges and criticism from religious groups who felt it infringed on their rights.
Throughout his political career, Governor Andy Beshear has navigated complex challenges, balancing progressive policies with the conservative leanings of Kentucky’s electorate. His leadership style emphasizes pragmatism and a focus on improving the lives of all Kentuckians.