Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear walks onstage to address the Democratic National Convention on its opening night, August 19, 2024, in Chicago. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear will be the keynote speaker at an annual West Virginia Democratic Party dinner later this month.
Beshear, a two-term governor in a red state, will speak at the party’s Roosevelt Kennedy Dinner at the Charleston Civic Center on Sept. 27.
West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin called Beshear “a champion for working families and a proven leader in our region” in a press release Wednesday afternoon. Pushkin predicted the governor’s remarks would be inspiring to West Virgnia Democrats ahead of November elections.
Pushkin said Beshear’s success in a red state “proves that a Democrat with strong values and a commitment to making government work for everyone can win even in the toughest political environments.”
Over the summer, Beshear traveled to political events while he was under consideration as a possible running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, though she ultimately picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Beshear spoke to Iowa Democrats during a party dinner and addressed Kentucky Democrats during its Forward Together Dinner in Louisville. The governor also gave remarks during the Democratic National Convention in August.
Like Kentucky Democrats, West Virginia Democrats hold a superminority in the legislature. In its release, the West Virginia Democratic Party said Beshear’s “insights will be invaluable as West Virginia Democrats gear up for crucial races in the November elections.”
However, Democrats in the Mountain State do not currently hold the Governor’s Mansion. West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice is term limited and is seeking the U.S. Senate seat opened up by Democrat Joe Manchin’s decision not to run for reelection. His opponent, Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliot, and gubernatorial candidate Huntington Mayor Steve Williams will also speak during the dinner.