2023 Gubernatorial Elections

The 2023 Gubernatorial Term took place 3 years after the election of Joe Biden as president. Republicans were able to gain one open seat in Louisiana as well as hold their seat in Mississippi, whilst Democrats were only able to hold their seat in Kentucky.

Kentucky
Incumbent Governor Andy Beshear ran for re-election to a second term, defeating Republican state Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Democratic Primary Andy Beshear was unoppossed for re-election in the Democratic Primary. He chose incumbent Lieutenant Governor Jaqueline Coleman as his running mate.

Republican Primary
The Republican Primary was hotly contested by multiple candidates. First major candidate to run was Mike Harmon, who served as the State Auditor. Next to run was Ryan Quarles, the state Commissioner of Agriculture. State Attorney General Daniel Cameron was the next to announce his bid followed by State representative Savannah Maddox and former US Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft. Cameron was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who was widley popular in the state.

Nominee

 * Daniel Cameron, Kentucky Attorney General
 * Running mate: Robin McDonald, businessman and local pro-life advocate

Eliminated in Primary

 * Kelly Kraft, US Ambassador from the United States
 * Running mate: Max Wise, state senator
 * Mike Harmon, Kentucky State Auditor
 * Running mate: Eric Corbert, state representative
 * Savannah Maddox, state Representative
 * Running mate: Liz Matthews, state representative
 * Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture
 * running mate: Bart Rowland, former State Senator

Louisiana
Incumbent Governor John Bel Edwards was term limited and unable to run for re-election to a third term in office. Republican Jeff Landry defeated Democratic State Seantor Gary Smith Jr.

Jungle Primary
The first major candidate to announce his candidacy was Republican Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. Republican State Attorney General Jeff Landry then teased a campaign, as did US Senator Bill Cassidy. Landry eventually announced his campaign, however Cassidy decided to stay in the Senate. Gary Smith Jr. was the only Democratic candidate to run. Republican State Treasurer John Schroder also announced a campaign. State Representative Stuart Bishop also announced a campaign, although Bishop later withdrew, though his name still remained in the ballot.

Advanced to runoff

 * Jeff Landry, Louisiana State Attorney General

Eliminated in Primary

 * Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana
 * John Schroeder, Louisiana State Treasurer

Withdrew

 * Stuart Bishop, State Representative

Democratic Candidate

 * Gary Smith Jr, State Representative