Kentucky Democratic Senator Switches To GOP:
Beshear’s Rising Profile
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat in a traditionally Republican state, has gained popularity and is considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate.
He defeated Republican Matt Bevin in 2019 with 49.2% of the vote and beat GOP challenger Daniel Cameron in 2023 by about five points.
Beshear said, “If I’m somebody that can bring this nation together, hopefully find some common ground, it’s something I’ll consider.”
Political Shift
State Sen. Robin Webb switched from Democrat to Republican, citing her values.
She said, “I didn’t leave the party — the party left me,” criticizing the Democrats’ focus on policies she feels harm workforce and economic development.
Reactions
Republicans welcomed Webb, while the state Democratic Party argued, “If those are her priorities, then we agree: she isn’t a Democrat.”
Moderate Messaging
Beshear promotes a centrist approach on his new podcast, saying, “It tries to make everything D or R, red or blue, left or right, and we know the world’s so much more complicated than that.”
