Politics

Analysis: Governor’s races offer early clue to voters’ moods

Off-year elections can give crucial hints, even in three deep red states.
FILE -Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear delivers his State of the Commonwealth speech in front of a joint session of the legislature from the floor of the Kentucky House of Representatives, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in Frankfort, Ky. In his latest effort to ride the power of incumbency to reelection, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear touted the state’s newest round of job-creation successes, honored a retiring police officer and highlighted recovery assistance for a flood-stricken region. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)

Kentucky Republicans head to the polls next week to select their nominee to take on Gov. Andy Beshear, kicking off three red state battles taking place this year that will set the tone for a fraught 2024 presidential election.

Though all three states that will elect governors this year voted heavily for former President Donald Trump, Democrats hold two of those governorships. Beshear is seeking a second term, while Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) faces term limits. 

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