KENTUCKY — The Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron in the 2023 gubernatorial race, the FOP announced Tuesday.

The state's largest police union voted to throw its support behind Cameron instead of incumbent Gov. Andy Beshear, who earned the endorsement in 2019. The union has also supported Democrats Steve Beshear and Jack Conway in past elections.

"Cameron has been a friend to the FOP since the day he stepped foot into public office," said Kentucky FOP President Berl Perdue Jr. "We are excited to stand with Daniel and look forward to helping him during the remaining months of the campaign."

In the vote, FOP members were asked to consider each candidate's records and their responses to the FOP's questionnaire.

Both Beshear and Cameron have highlighted public safety reforms on the campaign trail. Beshear has pushed for large pay raises for state troopers as well as increased training for police officers. Cameron, among other things, is pushing for tougher drug trafficking penalties and pursuit of the death penalty for murdering a police officer.

Cameron's stance on civilian oversight of law enforcement agencies drew the most scrutiny during a news conference in July. Cameron said civilian review boards should be blocked from obtaining subpoena power. He said he supports independent groups striving “to be engaged constructively in conversations” with law enforcement, but said he draws the line when it comes to giving them subpoena power.

Cameron oversaw the grand jury process after the police killing of Breonna Taylor, where no charges were pursued directly related to her death.