Beshear targets McConnell, Paul after win: ‘We beat ’em’

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, who won reelection Tuesday in Kentucky, targeted the state’s two sitting senators in his celebratory speech.

“This was our victory. It was a victory that sends a loud, clear message,” Beshear said to a crowd in Louisville. “A message that candidates should run for something and not against someone, that a candidate should show vision and not sow division, and a clear statement that anger politics should end right here and right now.”

“Just look at what we were up against. Five Super PACs. My opponent’s super PAC. Mitch McConnell’s super PAC, Rand Paul’s super PAC, the Club for Growth, the Republican Governors Association, all running ads full of hate and division,” he continued. “And you know what? We beat ‘em all at the same time.”

Beshear fended off former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, a Republican who had the backing of former President Trump and was a favorite of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

The incumbent saw strong approval ratings despite being the Democratic governor of a red state. He will hold onto the seat he flipped blue back in 2019.

Although polling showed Beshear holding on to a lead ahead of the election, a recent survey had him tied with Cameron.

He thanked voters Tuesday night after the competitive race was called in his favor. Kentucky’s voters made a choice with their votes, he said.

“A choice to reject Team R or Team D and to state clearly that we are one Team Kentucky,” Beshear said. “And tonight, the people of Kentucky elected me as just the third two-consecutive-term governor in our history.”

Cameron and McConnell have yet to release statements or post online about the election results. Paul posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to congratulate other local winners, but notably left out Beshear.

The Kentucky governor wrote on Wednesday morning that he is “glad to keep the short commute. Let’s get to work, Kentucky.”