In the first major call of the Election Night 2023, Republican Daniel Cameron has been defeated by Democrat Andy Beshear in Kentucky's gubernatorial race. 

Cameron, who was one of Donald Trump's most touted endorsements of the cycle, had trailed in most of the polling leading up to the election. Late signs showed he might be competitive, but he ultimately fell short. 

I've seen enough: Andy Beshear (D) wins reelection in #KYGOV, defeating Daniel Cameron (R).

— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) November 8, 2023

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear was projected to win reelection in Kentucky, according to Decision Desk HQ, fending off a challenge from his Trump-backed Republican challenger. 

Beshear, who has seen strong approval despite being the Democratic governor of a red state, defeated Republican state Attorney General Daniel Cameron after a competitive race, winning his second term in the governor’s mansion. 

He will hold onto the seat he flipped blue back in 2019, when he beat then-Gov. Matt Bevin (R). 

Polls generally showed Beshear holding onto a lead ahead of Tuesday’s elections — but an Emerson College Polling survey released last week found Beshear and Cameron tied at 47 percent each. 

According to Wasserman, one of the most trusted election analysts in the business, GOP turnout and enthusiasm suffered in Kentucky, especially in the rural areas that Republicans count on. That is very much the same problem that the right suffered in the 2022 election. Clearly, something isn't working.

To be frank, this wasn't an easy contest, but it's a contest that should have been won. Kentucky is a deep red state, and every bit of polling on the economy and foreign policy has shown the Democrats as deeply unpopular. What was the problem here? That'll be for a later discussion (likely tomorrow), but those involved need to provide answers. Whether that's Cameron's campaign, the RNC, or others, accountability has been in short supply.