Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky is conducting a unique political experiment. He is campaigning for re-election as a Democrat, touting President Biden’s record and agenda without mentioning the President’s name. Instead, Beshear presents himself as a generic version of Biden, highlighting his leadership during challenging times and the strong post-Covid economy in Kentucky. Beshear is relying on voters’ discontent with the Republican opposition to abortion and their appreciation for his handling of crises like natural disasters. However, he is trying to distance himself from Biden, whose approval ratings remain low, especially in Kentucky.

Beshear’s strategy reflects the changing political landscape in Kentucky, where the number of registered Democrats has decreased while the number of Republicans has grown. Republicans believe they will outperform polling, just as they did in support for Mr. Trump in 2020. In his campaign, Beshear tries to dissociate himself from “Bidenomics” and emphasizes his accomplishments, such as low unemployment rates, infrastructure projects funded by Biden’s infrastructure law, and positive economic development.

Although Beshear benefits from the Biden administration’s contributions to Kentucky, he avoids mentioning Biden in his speeches and advertisements. Other Democrats running in Kentucky, such as Kim Reeder, Sierra Enlow, and Pam Stevenson, also avoid discussing Biden. This tactic acknowledges Biden’s unpopularity in the state, with 68 percent of Kentuckians disapproving of him. Republicans acknowledge Beshear’s popularity and focus their campaigns on crime, opposition to Biden, endorsements from Trump, opposition to LGBTQ rights, and job creation.

Beshear’s strongest political weapon is his stance on abortion rights. While he cannot change Kentucky’s near-total abortion ban due to Republican supermajorities in the state legislature, he emphasizes his disagreement with the ban and criticizes Republicans for passing it. Beshear’s campaign ads feature testimonies from rape victims and highlight the need for exceptions in the ban. The issue of abortion has transformed from a Republican to a Democratic matter in Kentucky.

Beshear concentrates his efforts on suburban areas near major cities like Cincinnati, Lexington, and Louisville, hoping to win over voters in these regions. His handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, including strict policies and mask requirements, resonated with many voters. While people may disagree with Washington politics, they appreciate what Beshear has done for Kentucky. Despite his Democratic affiliation, Beshear is seen as someone who cares about the state and its people. This perception is reinforced by personal interactions, such as Beshear responding to a poem written by a supporter and displaying it in his office.

In summary, Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky is campaigning for re-election by aligning himself with President Biden’s record and agenda while avoiding mentioning the President directly. He focuses on his own accomplishments, such as leading Kentucky through challenging times and building a strong post-Covid economy. Beshear distances himself from Biden’s unpopularity in Kentucky. His campaign strategy reflects the changing political dynamics in the state, with a decline in registered Democrats and growing Republican support. He uses his opposition to the abortion ban and his handling of the pandemic as key selling points. Beshear concentrates on suburban areas near major cities and portrays himself as someone who genuinely cares about the state and its people.