Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, incoming chair of the Democratic Governors Association, urged his party to refocus on core issues to rebuild faith among Americans. Speaking in New Hampshire on October 7, 2025, he outlined three key steps amid recent electoral losses and declining poll numbers. Beshear emphasized practical communication and a vision for attainable dreams as Democrats eye upcoming races.
Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky addressed around 100 Democratic politicians, officials, and activists in Manchester, New Hampshire, on October 7, 2025. As the two-term governor prepares to take over as chair of the Democratic Governors Association next year, he stressed the party's need for redemption following significant setbacks. Last year, Democrats lost control of the White House and Senate, failed to regain the House majority, and saw erosion in support among Black, Hispanic, and younger voters—traditional base groups. Recent polls have shown the party's favorable ratings hitting all-time lows.
Beshear was candid about the challenges ahead. "I’ve got a lot of hope for the Democratic Party, but I’m also honest enough to say the Democratic Party has a lot of work to do. The Democratic Party has to re-earn the faith of the American people," he said.
He outlined three steps for political recovery. First, Democrats must "spend 80% of our time on things that matter to 100% of Americans." Second, the party should "talk to people like normal human beings" rather than "talking down to people." Third, focus on energizing voters by emphasizing the "why" behind policies, not just the details. "We are really good at the ‘what,’ but not so good at talking about the ‘why,’" Beshear noted.
The governor, elected in 2019 by a narrow margin over Republican Matt Bevin and re-elected in 2023, has been campaigning for Democrats in key states. His New Hampshire visit included a fundraiser in Concord for State House Democrats, a happy hour in Manchester for City Democrats, and a house party in Nashua. It followed earlier stops in South Carolina and came before campaigning in Virginia for gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger.
Beshear expressed optimism for the 2025 gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, seen as early tests of President Donald Trump's second-term agenda. "I think both Virginia and New Jersey are races that we are going to win, and we are going to win by providing Americans with a vision. A vision that the American dream is still attainable. That a Democratic governor can deliver on good jobs, can deliver on making things more affordable," he told Fox News Digital.
Looking to 2028, Beshear's trip fueled speculation about a presidential bid in the early primary state. He said his family would decide after next year's midterms. As DGA vice chair, he aims to win as many races as possible and promote a "commonsense, common ground voice" to heal partisan divides. "What’s most important to me is that we have a candidate that can heal the country. We have too much of this us versus them," he added.