Kentucky’s Republican Gov. Matt Bevin, often labeled as America’s least popular governor, came out ahead of his Democratic challenger in a new poll.
The Gravis Marketing poll has Bevin, 52, beating Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear by six points, with 48% of voters supporting him compared to Beashear’s 42% support. 10% of those surveyed are still uncertain about who they would vote for in a head-to-head matchup between the two.
Beshear, 41, is well-known in the state. His father Steve Beshear served as Kentucky’s governor from 2007 to 2015. Bevin succeeded the elder Beshear and has served in the role since 2015.
Bevin’s tenure has been rocky, with an approval rating in the 30s. Bevin was repeatedly booed when he made an appearance at the Kentucky Derby last month.
Democrats hope to use Bevin’s low in-state approval to leverage a win in the reliably red state, which President Trump won in 2016 by nearly 30 points.
Bevin’s candidacy is being buoyed by Trump’s support, with the president saying over Twitter that Bevin was doing a “fantastic job” after he cinched the Republican primary in May.
Congratulations to Governor @MattBevin on winning the Republican Primary for Governor tonight in the Great State of KENTUCKY. Matt, you are doing a fantastic job!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 22, 2019
