Updated Nov 5, 2019

Democrat holds razor-thin lead in Kentucky governor race

Orion Rummler

In this image, Beshear walks with one arm on his son as he carries an umbrella. — Beshear and his son, Nov. 5. Photo: Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal, Louisville Courier Journal via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Kentucky Democrat Andy Beshear was holding a narrow lead Tuesday night over President Trump's pick for governor, incumbent Matt Bevin.

Why it matters: A win from Beshear would suggest that the impeachment inquiry into Trump is not the useful 2020 strategy Republicans assumed it would be, even in Trump-friendly states.

The Republican Governor's Association and Bevin's campaign explicitly used the impeachment inquiry to rally voters against Beshear, the attorney general.
Bevin also adopted Trump's language during the campaign, accusing Beshear of being "the Hunter Biden of Kentucky" at their Oct. 28 debate. Beshear's father served as Kentucky's governor for two terms.

Between the lines: Bevin has a 53% disapproval rate and is the second-most unpopular governor in the U.S., according to Morning Consult's Q3 polling. Trump's popularity in Kentucky, which he won with 62.5% in 2016, apparently didn't give Bevin a real edge against Beshear.

What they're saying: "The President just about dragged Gov. Matt Bevin across the finish line, helping him run stronger than expected in what turned into a very close race at the end. A final outcome remains to be seen," Brad Parscale, Trump 2020 campaign manager, said in a statement Tuesday.

Go deeper: Trump slams Dems in rallying cry for Kentucky governor ahead of race

Editor’s note: This story is being updated as the situation unfolds.

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Democrat holds razor-thin lead in Kentucky governor race

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