Who is Andy Beshear? What we know about his politics career

After a poor performance from President Joe Biden against former President Donald Trump in last week's debate, names have been going around for a possible replacement on the Democratic ticket, including one with ties to the Bluegrass State.

Does Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear have what it takes to be America's next president? While the Kentuckian's name has been mentioned as a possible replacement, being elected twice as a Democratic governor in a Red state, a recent poll indicates 70% of Democrats nationally haven't heard of him, as previously reported by The Courier Journal. Yet, the politician recently announced "the rumors are true," but not in the way supporters had hoped.

Here's what we know about Gov. Beshear and his political career.

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Who is Andy Beshear?

Gov. Beshear is a born-and-raised Kentuckian who was elected as a Democratic governor in the Bluegrass State in 2019, according to his official website. Before acting as governor he served as the state's attorney general, beginning in 2015, and was re-elected as governor in November of 2023 after a successful first term.

Will Andy Beshear run for president?

Gov. Beshear has no current plans to run for president but is keeping his supporters on their toes. A post to X from the politician on Wednesday, formerly Twitter, said "the rumors are true" — but he didn't mean the rumors about his candidacy.

Who is the governor of Kentucky?

Andy Beshear, 46, currently acts as Kentucky's 63rd governor. The Democrat was first elected in 2019 and won re-election in 2023.

Is Andy Beshear a Democrat or Republican?

Gov. Beshear, who represents Kentucky, is a Democrat. His father, Steven Beshear, also served the state as a Democratic governor from 2007-2015, according to the National Governors Association.

Is Andy Beshear a moderate?

The Thomas B. Fordham Institue describes Beshear as a "moderate Democrat" with little interest in "education reform."

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What are Andy Beshear's beliefs?

According to Ky.gov, Gov. Beshear is focused on key topics like infrastructure, quality drinking water, affordable healthcare, rebuilding after disasters and more.

How long is a governor's term in Kentucky?

A governor can be elected for two consecutive four-year terms in the Bluegrass State, according to the Library of Congress Research Guides.

Who is Andy Beshear's father?

Gov. Beshear's father, Steve Beshear, was Kentucky's governor from 2007-2015. The Democrat has been married to Jane Beshear since 1969 and was first elected in 2007 before being re-elected in 2011. Steve was an attorney who also served as a state representative in the Kentucky General Assembly, attorney general and lieutenant governor before seeking out the governor seat.

Steve was raised in Dawson Springs in Hopkins County and holds a bachelor’s and a law degree from the University of Kentucky.

Andy Beshear family

Gov. Beshear has a wife, Britainy, two children, Will and Lila, and a dog named Winnie, according to the politician's website. The family are frequent visitors of Beargrass Christian Church, where both Beshear and his wife serve as deacons.

What college did Andy Beshear go to?

Gov. Beshear graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor's in political science and anthropology and holds a juris doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear: Contender for presidential ticket?