(LEX 18) — In the wake of Andy Beshear's win, a narrative among some national media outlets is that this could be a bad sign for President Trump and Senator Mitch McConnell in 2020. However, even with the governor's loss, the Kentucky Republican Party enjoyed a victorious night, now holding five of the six statewide offices.
"If you don't think it's a red state, just look at the margins," said LEX 18 Political Analyst Bob Babbage.
Unofficial results show Republicans winning by more than 100,000 votes in every other statewide race except for Secretary of State.
Babbage says it is worth noting that Beshear captured Louisville, Lexington, two populous northern Kentucky counties, and Warren County.
"There is a divide. It is urban-rural. It's not unique to Kentucky. it's happening across the country, and even around the world," said Babbage. "The urban base really made a stand last night. United in a way that it's not been in any number of years."
Babbage also cautions reading too much into Bevin's loss, especially when looking ahead to 2020.
"There are some dynamics that do compare but it's a whole different race next year. For US Senate in Kentucky. For US Congress in Kentucky. For the state legislature in Kentucky, half the Senate, all the House. And then for the big race that will generate an entirely different voter here," said Babbage.
That big race is the one involving the re-election campaign of President Donald Trump. The very man who came to Kentucky the night before the election to try and help Bevin win.
