Global Courant 2023-05-04 06:52:50
EXCLUSIVE: Support has begun to pile up in this year’s most controversial and highly anticipated election race, as a group of well-known Republicans vie to unseat Kentucky’s Democratic Governor Andy Beshear.
The latest high-profile endorsement comes on a decision day for Kentucky Republicans on who to run against one of the nation’s last remaining Democratic governors in less than two weeks.
On Wednesday, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, announced that he would support former U.N. Ambassador Kelly Craft in place of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who has the support of former President Donald Trump, and Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. The three are widely regarded as the front runners in a crowded field of 12 GOP primary candidates.
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Then-U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft issues a statement after a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Oct. 23, 2017. (REUTERS/Chris Wattie)
“Kelly Craft is the candidate Kentuckians need as their governor to usher in a new generation of leadership,” Cruz said in a statement. “I’ve seen firsthand how hard Kelly worked to oppose the Chinese Communist Party and negotiate the largest trade deal in American history.”
“I also know how passionate she is about ensuring that every Kentuckian can reach their full potential and achieve the American Dream. I am honored to support her as Governor of Kentucky and excited to stump for her in the Bluegrass State to from the votes,” he added.
In addition to the endorsement, Craft announced that Cruz would join her for a series of voting rallies in Louisville and Richmond on Saturday, May 13, just days before the Tuesday, May 16 primary.
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Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz supported former UN Ambassador Kelly Craft in Kentucky’s governor’s race. (Getty Images/Reuters)
“I look forward to having my friend, Senator Cruz, with me on the campaign trail as we enter the final days of the primary,” Craft said in a statement. “Over the past 10 months, I’ve been inspired by the thousands of Kentuckians I’ve met, who all want the same thing: a better future for our children and grandchildren. Senator Cruz has the same vision for Texas and I’m grateful to have his support.”
“I am the only candidate not owned by special interest groups or the Washington, D.C. establishment,” Craft added. “I would be honored to be your Republican nominee for governor of Kentucky to finally withdraw the Beshear regime from Kentucky politics this November.”
Cruz is the first national politician to enter the race since last year, when Trump announced his support for Cameron and House Oversight Committee chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., announced his support for Craft. cameron reposted the video of Trump’s endorsement on social media earlier this week.
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Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron speaks to members of the press after oral arguments of the Cameron v. EMW Women’s Surgical Center case were heard in Washington, DC, on Oct. 12, 2021, in the U.S. Supreme Court. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Cameron got Trump’s endorsement before Craft threw her hat into the race last year, but some people familiar with the race pondered the possibility of Trump shifting his support to Craft, who was ambassador to Canada from 2017-2019 was and as UN ambassador from 2019-2021 following the resignation of now presidential candidate Nikki Haley.
In addition to Comer and Cruz, Craft also has the support of a number of Kentucky state legislators and other local officials. She has also been joined on the campaign trail by former University of Kentucky All-American swimmer Riley Gaines, a well-known critic of biological men competing in women’s sports.
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In addition to Trump, Cameron has the support of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and a number of local law enforcement officials, while Quarles, who has run a major grassroots operation in many of the state’s rural counties, has the support of a commanding section of farmers in Kentucky and other local leaders.
Brandon Gillespie is an associate editor at Fox News. Follow him on Twitter at @brandon_cg.
