Beshear discusses faith, political future during Bowling Green book tour stop

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear brought his book tour to Bowling Green Tuesday night, discussing faith, political division and his time as governor while offering another hint about his political future.

Beshear appeared at the Capitol for a conversation centered on his new book, Go and Do Likewise: How We Heal a Broken Country. The book focuses on Beshear’s Christian faith and his belief that compassion and kindness can help bridge political divides.

“The American people are good,” Beshear said. “We have a lot of division, a lot of hate pushed down upon us. But if you ever lose faith in humanity, watch what people do after natural disaster.”

Beshear pointed specifically to Bowling Green’s response following the December 2021 tornadoes, recalling that local officials told him resources should instead be directed toward harder-hit communities such as Dawson Springs and Mayfield.

“We saw it here in Bowling Green,” Beshear said. “Just an amazing outpouring of support for those that have been impacted by the tornadoes.”

The Democratic governor also discussed LGBTQ rights and abortion through the lens of his faith. Beshear talked about his 2023 veto of legislation concerning transgender minors, saying, “My faith teaches me that all children are children of God.”

Kentucky advocate Hadley Duvall joined Beshear for the conversation. Duvall, whose story was featured in Beshear’s 2023 reelection campaign, spoke about her decision to publicly share her experience of being raped and becoming pregnant at age 12.

“I knew that there was another Hadley out there, and that’s all I could think about,” Duvall said.

Beshear also criticized President Donald Trump on several issues and discussed ideas he believes a future Democratic administration should pursue, including increasing housing supply, reducing prescription drug costs and changes involving gerrymandering, congressional term limits and campaign finance.

Near the end of the event, the conversation turned to Beshear’s own political future.

Beshear said his immediate focus is his work as chair of the Democratic Governors Association and the 2026 governor’s races. But reflecting on his 2023 reelection, Beshear said he remembered telling his wife, Britainy, “I’ll never have to run for anything ever again.”

“Here’s what I’d say tonight,” Beshear said. “I’m no longer sure that statement is true.”

Beshear did not announce a presidential campaign Tuesday.