Yes! Why some say Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear would make a great VP candidate

Is Gov. Andy Beshear really vice presidential material?

Many Kentuckians think so.

Economic gains in recent years, leadership through natural disasters, and an a uthentic communication style honed in the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to the confidence they have in him as a politician.

Beshear has regularly ranked among the most popular Democrats in the country despite facing a barrage of negative advertisements on television during his 2023 re-election bid. His undefeated political record, capped by a 5-point win despite Kentucky’s turn to Republican politicians and conservative issues in recent years, doesn’t hurt either.

The likely circumstances of the moment – that Vice President Kamala Harris steps up as the presidential nominee – make Beshear a perfect fit for vice presidential nominee ., some contend.

“Beshear brings to a Democratic ticket the kind of conservative coded, politically liberal persona that the party needs to win a number of moderately pro-Trump voters,” said Jeffrey Tyler Syck, a political science professor at the University of Pikeville. “Without seeming disingenuous, he can promote Democratic policies using Christian ethics and simple common sense.”

The Herald-Leader reached out to several people involved in or tracking Kentucky politics to get their perspective. Here’s what they had to say about Beshear’s record and his potential future:

Jason Perkey, Kentucky Democratic operative and former Kansas and South Carolina state party executive director: “When Andy goes places, I get text messages from people across the country who’ve attended his events saying how impressed they are with him, stating their support for him to run for president or to be on a ticket with someone running for the highest office. I’ve received nothing but positive feedback from people, which isn’t surprising given who he is as a person and the way in which he attracts people.

“The language that he uses doesn’t sound contrived. It doesn’t sound poll-tested. It doesn’t sound like someone is giving him talking points to use. It sounds like it’s a value-centric response to the issue he’s facing. I know I sound like a ‘drunk on the Kool Aid supporter,’ but I just think it’s clear that he’s a person that genuinely wants to lead people and isn’t doing it in a selfish way.”

Senate Minority Floor Leader Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington: “As a student of political history, I’ve learned that certain people become etched into history because they’re able to meet the times. We live in very perilous times, and I think Beshear is just well-suited to meet these times.

“Kentucky is a rather conservative state. But despite all that, he’s been able to convince people that he’s the person that can meet the needs of the state and help better the state. We need a youthful, well-tested leader who can take this country forward in major ways. He’s perfect for that because he’s done it in a tougher environment than other leaders of the same ilk.”

Blair Haydon, executive director of Emerge Kentucky: “If the governor has the opportunity to serve the country as VP, or even president, he should take it. He’s led us through an international pandemic and a number of natural disasters here in Kentucky and been a unifier, not a divider, in times of uncertainty. Even when I was talking to some of my conservative friends, they overtly stated their excitement at the possibility of Andy serving on the national stage. The governor has been empathetic in our times of need, and that resonates with all Americans. He is the right guy for the job, and he could serve the commonwealth even better in those positions.”

Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge: “Andy Beshear has succeeded at projecting the likable, relatable image of a family man. And he’s a Democratic governor in a state with an overwhelming majority of republicans at every level of government. That speaks to his ability to garner crossover votes without turning off his base.”

Jeffrey Tyler Syck, Political Science Professor at the University of Pikeville: “ Beshear brings to a Democratic ticket the kind of conservative coded, politically liberal persona that the party needs to win a number of moderately pro-Trump voters.

Without seeming disingenuous, he can promote Democratic policies using Christian ethics and simple common sense. This sort of Southern Democratic politics used to be common in the party – as evidenced by both Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter – but has more or less been shoved aside in favor of progressive activism that, far from drawing in undecided Trump voters, sends them screaming for the door. Beshear can help fix that and provide a traditional, stabilizing, balance to Harris.”

Chris Kirkwood, University of Kentucky political science Ph.D candidate: ”As a vice president, he would counterbalance Kamala well. California is a far cry from Kentucky, and Beshear is more moderate in practice and on paper, which might reassure some voters. Other voters may be turned off by his moderation, though. As a Kentucky politics perk, his theoretical ascension would boost Jacqueline Coleman if she decides to run for governor in 2027, which is ground Kentucky Dems need to start making up.

After seeing Kamala’s shortlist, Beshear is probably the safest bet for her in the event she wins and is accounting for an unfavorable 2026 midterm. Pulling either Kelly or Shapiro creates open seats in swing states, which would be far less than ideal.”

Sen. Robin Webb, D-Grayson: ”He’s certainly marketable. I mean, he’s handsome, he’s articulate and all those things… And I think reality’s set in that they’re not going to win with anyone other than a Democrat with the ability to work across the aisle, to not be polarizing, to be a uniter.”

Kyle West, former Jefferson County Democratic Party executive & Unite Kentucky PAC founder: ”Andy Beshear is the only choice that makes the most sense if Kamala takes over the top of the ticket. Not only will Jacqueline Coleman be a great governor for the commonwealth, Andy would be a perfect foil to Vance – he’s so wholesome, you basically can’t attack him without being extremely weird and off-putting (see Daniel Cameron’s failed attempt to go hard against him in ‘23). I think a Harris-Beshear ticket is the only hope we have of winning big against Trump-Vance, as any other choice starts opening up vulnerabilities at a time when we can hardly afford it.”

Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington: ”He brings executive experience, knowledge of the inner workings of government and certainly the challenges of intense campaigning. I can’t think of a significant issue he has led on that the general assembly supported so it’s hard to show his record of accomplishment apart from the work of the legislature. Because the GA has led on writing the budget and policy initiatives the last several years, it’s freed up the governor to go around the state and be present whether flood or tornado or any other issue. He has the time to be available at a very personal level and then pick the issues that he wants to take credit for and those he doesn’t.”

Allison Wiseman, Kentucky Young Democrats President: ”My phone (is blowing) up with young Democrats nationwide telling me how much they like him. He is a good person who has done a lot of great work for Kentuckians. I can’t tell you how many young Dems in Kentucky who knocked doors last year told me about conversations they had, myself included, with Democrats, conservatives, Independents and Libertarians who were excited to vote for him. To see someone from Kentucky receive this call to serve is exciting and for us young Dems, it’s even more exciting to see someone who supports us as much as he does be on the national stage.”

Idrees Kahloon, Lexington native and Washington Bureau Chief for The Economist: ”He’s one of the rare Democrats who is still able to win in red states. He has nailed the tricky act of defending policies of a national party that has increasingly tended left. He would also very effectively complement a blue state Democrat like Kamala Harris.”

Dan Bayens, Republican media strategist: ”Andy Beshear is a proven winner in a part of the country where Democrats are struggling to connect with voters. He’s disciplined and rarely strays off message.”

Gillian Branstetter , communications strategist at the American Civil Liberties Union posted on social media site X: “I like Andy Beshear because an opponent ran ads targeting his veto of a trans care ban and he had the sense to stand by it rather than squeamishly panic like some blue state Dems in much safer offices I could mention.”