Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY), newly appointed chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, aims to replicate Kentucky’s success by converting Republican-held gubernatorial seats to Democratic in 2026.
In a discussion with the National Journal, Beshear expressed intentions to channel DGA resources into states with promising candidates, particularly in traditionally Republican areas like Georgia, Nevada, and Iowa.
“I think you’re going to see us certainly competing in Georgia and in Nevada, but I also think you’re going to see us competing in places like Iowa. So I think that we have a number of places that people may think of as red states, but we’re going to be there,” Beshear stated.
In Georgia, a competitive primary is shaping up with around a dozen candidates from both parties already in the race. The Democratic field includes seven candidates, such as former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and state Reps. Derrick Jackson and Ruwa Romman, alongside former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan.
In Nevada, Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford is set to challenge incumbent Gov. Joe Lombardo (R-NV) in a closely contested election, while in Iowa, the departure of Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) has left the gubernatorial race open for new contenders.
With 36 states scheduled for gubernatorial elections in 2026, Beshear believes that focusing on everyday issues will be key to Democratic success, referencing recent victories by Gov.-elects Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill in Virginia and New Jersey, respectively.
“Tariffs are raising the cost of everything from the hardwood floor to the cabinets to the upholstery, raising prices of groceries, making life that much harder,” Beshear noted. “And then the big ugly bill is going to magnify that 10- to 20-fold, with rural hospitals closing all over America and devastating rural economies. So Democrats have the lane, and Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill drove right down it, of being there for the American people right now, restoring that American dream of making life just a little bit easier, a little bit better.”
BESHEAR DISCUSSES FUTURE ASPIRATIONS AMID 2028 SPECULATION
Beshear, a Democratic governor in a state that heavily favored President Donald Trump in 2024, has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election. He believes the next president should be a Democratic governor, emphasizing that governors are adept at delivering legislative achievements.
“Rebuilding it is going to have to take someone who has run a large operation, a leader that can bring other leaders along with them,” he commented. “I think a lot of Cabinet secretaries will need to be governors, too. Why? Because they can bring leaders from the state level to help replace some of the agency heads that have been lost, with all the experience.”
