FRANKFORT, Ky. — Incumbent Gov. Andy Beshear cruised to victory in the Democratic primary election Tuesday night, securing over 90% of the vote and defeating Peppy Martin and Geoff Young.

The race was called just minutes after polls closed in Kentucky.

He now has six months to convince Kentucky voters he deserves a second term.

“Tonight, Kentucky voters took the first step to secure four more years,” Beshear told a crowd of supporters gathered at the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort. 

Unofficial results show he won the Democratic nomination with over 91% of the vote. 

Beshear’s first term has been marked by tragedy, including the COVID-19 pandemic, deadly tornadoes and flooding and two mass shootings in Louisville.

On Tuesday night, he shared a message of hope for what’s to come.

“In Kentucky, we take care of each other and we believe in our core about that brighter tomorrow,” said Beshear. “Together, we’re working to build on the progress we’ve made and emerge even stronger than ever.”

In November, he’ll face Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who has long been a critic of Beshear’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy.

“Since [Beshear] has become governor, Kentucky has 27,000 fewer men and women working. Our workforce participation rate is lower than it’s ever been. Violent crime runs rampant in our largest cities,” Cameron said after declaring victory in his primary.

Spectrum News 1 asked Beshear why he should keep his seat. He said his record proves he truly cares about Kentucky.

“When you see a governor that’s created a record number of jobs, that is bringing in the jobs of the future, that is 100% pro public education, that is making headway against this drug epidemic and has shown up every day in eastern and western Kentucky to rebuild, I hope people see me as someone that truly cares about the people of Kentucky, because I do,” Beshear replied. “This is not about a title.”

According to a Morning Consult survey from earlier this year, Beshear is America’s most popular Democratic governor, but Republicans, who largely control Kentucky politics, are hoping to make him a one-term governor.