Kentucky voters are gearing up for a closely contested gubernatorial race that has become a battleground for national political ideologies. Incumbent Democratic Governor Andy Beshear and Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, are locked in a dead heat as the election draws near.

Beshear, who won office in 2019 by defeating an unpopular Republican incumbent, has managed to maintain high approval ratings despite Kentucky being a predominantly red state. A recent poll found that even 43% of Kentucky Republicans approve of Beshear's performance as governor. His popularity can be attributed, in part, to his family's strong political legacy in the state, with his father, Steve Beshear, having served as governor from 2007 to 2015.

On the other hand, Cameron, a relative newcomer to Kentucky politics, has positioned himself as a proxy for national political battles. He aims to portray the race as a choice between "crazy and normal," emphasizing his alignment with Trump's policies and criticizing Beshear's endorsement of President Joe Biden. Cameron's campaign rhetoric has focused on issues such as inflation, presenting himself as the candidate who will steer Kentucky away from the perceived mess created by the current administration.

The election, set to conclude on Tuesday, will serve as a significant test of how much President Biden's popularity, or lack thereof, will impact statewide contests. Cameron, with his ties to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and his endorsement from Trump, seeks to leverage national political allegiances and gauge the influence they hold over Kentucky voters.

The race has not been without controversy. Both candidates have faced scrutiny regarding their handling of racial justice issues. Cameron, as attorney general, faced national criticism for not recommending charges against officers involved in the killing of Breonna Taylor during a police raid in 2020. Meanwhile, Beshear drew backlash for deploying the National Guard during racial justice protests, which resulted in the fatal shooting of David McAtee, a Black restaurant owner.

Abortion rights have also emerged as a focal point in the campaign. While abortion access is not directly on the ballot in Kentucky, Beshear has made it a prominent issue by advocating for the inclusion of exceptions for cases of rape and incest in the state's current abortion ban. Cameron initially supported the total ban on abortion but has wavered on his stance after facing criticism from Beshear's camp. The abortion debate adds another layer of intensity to an already heated race.

As Election Day approaches, both candidates have been actively campaigning and courting voters. Beshear highlights recent economic development and infrastructure projects, partly funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Biden. Cameron, in contrast, emphasizes the impact of inflation and the state's low workforce participation rate, portraying Beshear as beholden to national Democrats.

Voter turnout will be crucial in determining the outcome of the race. While registered Republicans have increased in numbers since Beshear's election, off-year elections in Kentucky historically see lower turnout compared to presidential elections. Efforts to introduce early voting have seen a small increase in participation, with over 260,000 Kentuckians having already cast their ballots.

This year's gubernatorial race has also set new records for campaign spending, with over $59 million spent by the candidates and their supporting PACs. The results of this election will provide insights into the deepening partisan divide and the influence of national political allegiances as the 2024 election cycle approaches.

The winner of the Kentucky gubernatorial race holds significance beyond state lines, as the winning party in the past six gubernatorial elections has aligned with the subsequent presidential election results a year later. These dynamics make Kentucky an important state to watch for those seeking clues about the national mood and political trends.

This news article is based on reporting from Kentucky Public Radio, a collaboration of Louisville Public Media, WKU Public Radio, WKMS, and WEKU. For more coverage from across Kentucky, visit their website.