Payam Javan: Daniel Cameron, secured the Republican nomination for the Kentucky gubernatorial race. He will now compete against incumbent Democratic Governor Andy Beshear in the general election in November. Cameron, currently serving as Kentucky’s attorney general and a former legal counsel to Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, emerged victorious over 11 other candidates, including Kelly Craft, the former United Nations ambassador in the Trump administration.
Despite storm warnings and rainfall affecting voter turnout, there were no reports of voting disruptions during the primary. Cameron highlighted his record in office during his campaign, focusing on his lawsuits against Beshear and the Biden administration regarding abortion, immigration, and COVID-19 policies. He successfully challenged Beshear’s COVID-19 restrictions and halted them. If elected, Cameron would become Kentucky’s first black governor, already holding the distinction of being the state’s first black attorney general.
Beshear emphasized his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and led relief efforts after tornados and floods hit the state. He pointed to economic development successes and his close following of guidance from Trump’s coronavirus task force. Kentucky is predominantly conservative and Republican, as demonstrated by Trump’s significant victory in the state during the 2020 election. Cameron had previously supported Trump’s reelection campaign, speaking at the 2020 Republican National Convention.
In other primary races, Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams secured his nomination for reelection and will face Democrat Charles “Buddy” Wheatley in November. Allison Ball, the former treasurer, won the GOP primary for state auditor and will compete against Democrat Kimberley Reeder. Mark Metcalf, the Garrard County Attorney, won the GOP primary for state treasurer and will face Democrat Michael Bowman. Jonathan Shell (Republican) and Sierra Enlow (Democrat) won their respective primaries for Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner and will face each other in the general election.
