Republican businessman Matt Bevin was elected Kentucky’s next governor on Tuesday, marking a setback for Democrats who had controlled the office in every election but one since 1971 and underscoring the party’s decline in the conservative U.S. South.
Bevin, who rode Tea Party support to a narrow victory in a four-way Republican primary, soundly defeated State Attorney General Jack Conway, whose late October lead in the polls evaporated on election day.
Republicans also were successful in securing a second term for Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, who easily defeated a little-known opponent in the conservative Southern state.
Kentucky’s more hotly contested race reflected the partisan divide seen nationally over gay marriage and President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law in a contest to replace Democratic Governor Steve Beshear, who cannot run because of term limits.
In Mississippi, Republicans also celebrated widely expected victories for party incumbents.
Gov. Bryant defeated truck driver Robert Gray, the surprise victor of a Democratic primary in which he did not spend money or seriously campaign. His low-budget campaign reflected the sorry state of the Mississippi Democratic Party, observers said.
Still, Democrats held off a challenge to one of the party’s last statewide elected officers in the Deep South. Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood won a fourth term in office, with his opponent conceding late Tuesday night.
