January 12, 2023
Democrats retain a slight edge in Kentucky, while Republicans favored in neighboring Deep South states.
KEY POINTS FROM THIS ARTICLE
— While it’s easy to begin looking towards the 2024 election cycle, 3 states will have gubernatorial contests this year.
— In Kentucky, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear remains personally popular, but he will be running in a red state with a large GOP bench.
— Louisiana and Mississippi should be easier contests for Republicans. Term-limited Gov. John Bel Edwards (D-LA) will be hard for Democrats to replace, while Mississippi, where Democrats have not won a gubernatorial contest this century, will also be an uphill fight for them.
— The initial ratings for these 3 races are Leans Democratic for Kentucky, Safe Republican for Mississippi, and Likely Republican for Louisiana.