VP contender Beshear treads a fine line in coal-heavy Kentucky

By Hannah Northey | 07/31/2024 01:55 PM EDT

The Democratic governor’s track record is in the spotlight with his emergence as a possible running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks in the Rotunda of the state Capitol.

Gov. Andy Beshear speaks in the Rotunda of the state Capitol on March 26 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Timothy D. Easley/AP

This story was updated at 2:55 p.m. EDT.

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear is walking a climate tightrope in the ruby red, coal-heavy state of Kentucky.

The 46-year-old Louisville native — now reportedly being vetted to serve as Kamala Harris’ running mate — has successfully defeated Trump-backed Republicans twice to secure his gubernatorial post, all while remaining relatively mum on climate change.

In 2019 he ousted incumbent Republican Matt Bevin. Four years later, he fended off a challenge from former Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who crusaded against climate change with the backing of former President Donald Trump and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

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