Kentucky Democratic Party: Kentuckians sent a resounding message this week: anger politics is a losing bet.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Kentucky State AFL-CIO endorsed Gov. Beshear, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, all the Democratic candidates for constitutional officers and state representative-elect  Adrielle Camuel.

Governor Beshear and Lt. Governor Coleman were re-elected with a margin 13 times larger than 2019. It’s clear the steady source of strength and leadership they provided our Commonwealth was stronger than the division and hate the GOP attempted to sow. Governor Beshear showed that unity and integrity are Kentucky values. And now we must carry those values and that message forward in all we do. 

As Chair, I want to extend heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Kentucky Democratic Party to you and everyone who contributed to this team win. Your efforts were instrumental in this victory. During the campaign, I said time after time that we wouldn’t be successful without you and every time this team stepped up to the plate to make sure we had the resources and volunteer power that we needed to re-elect Governor Beshear and Lt. Governor Coleman.

Kentucky Democrats won other key races on Tuesday, too — including a major win to keep a state House seat in Lexington we flipped blue just last year, a landslide victory to elect the Fayette County clerk, and winning all of the contested Metro Council seats in Louisville.

As we celebrate our tremendous and historic wins, we must also acknowledge that some of our team, while more deserving and qualified than their opponents, fell short this time. There is no doubt that we are a better party and Commonwealth for what this dynamic team of Kentucky-focused leaders brought to the campaign. As we move forward, and continue to build on this year, let us all find the courage of these leaders to run for office at every level, especially when it is hardest, because these are the times when it’s also the most necessary.

I also want to thank our incredible KDP staff. As Chair, I see the tireless efforts of our staff, led by our tremendous Executive Director, Sebastian Kitchen. When the stakes were as high as they’ve ever been, our staff took on the hard work, late hours, early mornings, and, at times, the brunt of attacks, because they believe our Governor, our slate, this party, and our Commonwealth are all worth the fight and sacrifice. There’s no better team in the nation!

To everyone who has donated money, knocked doors, made calls, and talked to your neighbors and friends and family about what was at stake in this election: thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Because of you, our party keeps fighting onward. Because of you, we’re led by a Democratic governor for four more years. Because of you, Kentucky’s best days are still ahead of us.

Let's celebrate our victories. Then let's get back to work moving Kentucky forward.

Colmon Elridge

Chair, Kentucky Democratic Party