Longtime Democrat Sen. Robin Webb switches affiliation to the Republican Party. (Andy Westburry)
Webb was originally elected to the Kentucky State House after defeating Republican Ramona Gee in 1998.
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This comes as a major blow to Kentucky Democrats, who have historically held a stronghold in rural regions of the state largely due to union workers and the coal industry.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear told a local Louisville news outlet that he "would consider" a run as the Democratic nominee for president in 2028, and the newly elected Democratic governor and potential presidential candidate now faces an additional challenge to mobilize his state's party ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The Kentucky Capitol is seen on Jan. 14, 2020 in Frankfort, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)
Despite Beshear serving in the governor's office, the attorney general's office, secretary of state and both chambers of the state legislature have a Republican majority.
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"While it’s cliché, it’s true: I didn’t leave the party — the party left me," Webb said.
Fox News Digital reached out to Governor Andy Beshear's office but did not receive a response.
Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news. Story tips can be sent to Preston.Mizell@fox.com and on X @MizellPreston
Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/kentucky-senate-democrat-switches-parties-gop-major-blow-dem-gov-andy-beshear