Kentucky Governor — Andy Beshear
Andrew Graham Beshear (born November 29, 1977) is the 63rd Governor of Kentucky, serving since December 10, 2019. A Democrat and son of former Governor Steve Beshear, he previously served as Kentucky's Attorney General and won reelection in 2023 by 5%. He is the only statewide elected Democrat in Kentucky as of 2026.
11% pay raise for all Kentucky school personnel and public K-12 school employees
Status: in-progress
Beshear campaigned on an 11% raise for all school employees. He proposed this in his 2024-2026 budget with $2.5 billion in additional education funding, but the Republican-controlled legislature has not fully enacted the raises he proposed. House Republicans hold supermajorities and have blocked full implementation.
Interstate 69 Ohio River Crossing bridge built by 2023
Status: abandoned
In August 2019, Beshear promised to build the I-69 bridge between Henderson, Kentucky and Evansville, Indiana by 2023. This deadline was missed. As of January 2026, a tolling authority was just established and the project moved into next phase planning. In March 2025, Beshear vetoed tolls on the bridge to maintain his no-toll promise.
Universal pre-kindergarten program for Kentucky children
Status: in-progress
Beshear campaigned on universal pre-K and proposed full funding in his 2024-2026 budget at cost of $1.4 billion over two years. The proposal was submitted but Republican-controlled legislature has not approved full implementation. Mixed progress with Republican legislative opposition.
Protect and expand Medicaid access for 500,000 Kentuckians
Status: completed
Beshear promised to keep expanded Medicaid in place. As governor, his administration has maintained Medicaid expansion providing healthcare to over 500,000 Kentuckians who gained access through the Affordable Care Act. He signed legislation in 2023 expanding healthcare access.
Legalize medical marijuana and sports betting
Status: completed
Beshear promised to support revenue measures including expanded gaming and medical marijuana. Working with the General Assembly, he passed legislation legalizing sports betting and medical cannabis.
Restrict state aircraft use for campaign activities and disclose all flights
Status: blocked
Beshear attacked predecessor Matt Bevin for using state aircraft for campaign travel. As governor, Beshear posts all flights online (first to do so), but Kentucky Public Radio analysis showed his 2023 campaign raised $898,003 at 29 fundraisers held in same city as state aircraft flights same day—nearly identical to amount Bevin raised ($915,299) using state planes. Campaign finance and flight records show mixed record on this promise.
Support Kentucky law enforcement with pay raises
Status: in-progress
Beshear proposed continued investment in law enforcement salaries. Previous budget gave Kentucky State Police troopers $15,000 raise. His 2024-2026 budget proposes additional $2,500 pay increase in 2025 and inflationary increase in 2026, setting starting trooper pay at $68,621. Also proposed hiring 150 additional KSP troopers.
Brent Spence Bridge without tolls
Status: completed
Beshear opposed tolls on the Brent Spence companion bridge project. As governor, he secured $1.6 billion federal grant in late 2022 and confirmed no tolls would be charged. Major construction expected to begin 2026 with no tolls.