FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Republican victories for governor and three other statewide offices in Kentucky severely crippled one of the few remaining viable Democratic parties in the South.
Kentucky is still the only Southern state where Democrats control the House of Representatives. But Republicans now control four of the six statewide constitutional seats, including the governor’s office. And they have a supermajority in the state Senate.
Democratic Auditor Adam Edelen — who lost his re-election bid — says the national Democratic Party is out of step with mainstream residents of Kentucky, making it difficult for the party’s candidates to win statewide. Other Democrats, including Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, say the party must begin to rebuild.
Republican Gov.-elect Matt Bevin called for unity and vowed to work with politicians from both parties when he takes office.