[1] The Democratic nominee, Andy Beshear, defeated Republican Incumbent governor Matt Bevin.

Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear won the Democratic nomination with 37.9% of the vote in a three-way contest, in which due to his father he had the greatest name recognition.

Bevin had the support of President Donald Trump, who remained relatively popular in the state, particularly in rural areas.

Trump and US senator Rand Paul held a rally in support of Bevin and Republican Attorney General nominee Daniel Cameron the day before the election.

[60][61] Nominated Declared Federal politicians U.S. senators U.S. representatives Governors Individuals Organizations Newspapers Statewide officials Local officials Labor unions Newspapers Organizations Individuals Graphical summary with Rocky Adkins with Alison Lundergan Grimes with generic Democrat Beshear won despite carrying only two of the state's six congressional districts.

He defeated Bevin in the 3rd and 6th districts, which encompass Kentucky's two urban centers, Louisville and Lexington, and their close-in suburbs.

[130] Should a candidate contest the election results, the state legislature would determine the winner after hearing a report from a randomly selected 11-member committee from the House (8) and Senate (3).

[133][134] On November 11, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, announced that "all indications are" Beshear would be the next governor.

He also narrowly carried two of the three counties that make up the traditionally conservative Cincinnati suburbs, Kenton and Campbell.

[136] Beshear declared victory after the initial vote count,[137] selecting J. Michael Brown to lead his transition team.

The recanvass resulted in only one change, an additional vote for Independent candidate Blackii Effing Whyte, and Bevin conceded that day.