LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The months-long lead up to the Kentucky primaries ended Tuesday with Attorney General Daniel Cameron easily securing the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

What You Need To Know

  • Daniel Cameron was endorsed by former President Donald Trump and emerged victorious from a 12-candidate field

  • Runner-up Ryan Quarles brought in less than half the number of votes Cameron did

  • Cameron will go up against incumbent Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear in November

  • Cameron also became the first major-party Black nominee for governor in the state’s history

Cameron has also become the first major-party Black nominee for governor in the state’s history.

“I don’t know about you, but it sounds like Kentucky is ready for a new governor,” Cameron said to a packed ballroom at the Galt House in downtown Louisville Tuesday.

Cameron’s race was called not long after polls closed at 6 p.m. The front-runner in the race received more than twice as many votes as Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. Former U.N. ambassador Kelly Craft, who outspent the rest of her opponents, came in third.

Democratic incumbent Gov. Andy Beshear easily beat out his two opponents.

“You and I together, we proved that no obstacle is too great, no barriers too large when concern and committed Kentuckians come together around a common purpose and vision rooted in ideas that have propelled this nation forward since its very beginning,” Cameron said. “Those ideals being faith, family and community.”

During his speech, Cameron thanked former President Trump for his endorsement and outlined the areas where he believes Gov. Beshear has failed the state.

“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 continued. “Fentanyl is ravaging our communities. The left is trying to hijack women’s sports, and our schools, on the verge of becoming breeding grounds for liberal and progressive ideas.”

Meanwhile, Beshear touted his record of economic development and focus on education in his victory speech Tuesday night.

“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.”

Both Cameron and Beshear will face off once again this November in the General Election.

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