Kentucky Elects First Black Attorney General

Kentucky Elects First Black Attorney General
FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2019, file photo, Kentucky republican candidate for Attorney General Daniel Cameron, addresses the audience gathered at the Fancy Farm Picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky. Cameron was elected Nov. 5, 2019,l as Kentucky attorney general, first African American to win the office. (Timothy D. Easley, File/AP Photo)
Zachary Stieber
11/6/2019
Updated:
11/6/2019

Daniel Cameron, a Republican, was elected to be Kentucky’s attorney general on Nov. 5, the first time the state’s top law enforcement official will be black.

“I thank all of you all tonight for the support that you all provided, this whole entire GOP ticket,” Cameron, said in his victory speech. “We have worked incredibly hard all across the commonwealth to represent the values of Kentuckians, and I am honored to have won the race for attorney general.”

Cameron beat Democratic incumbent Greg Stumbo with 58 percent of the vote.

Republicans won every statewide office except for governor. Democrat Andy Beshear appeared to beat Republican incumbent Matt Bevin, though Bevin hadn’t conceded as of Wednesday.

Kentuckians “looked at the attorney general’s race and made a determination that they wanted a new start in the office,” Cameron said in his speech. “They wanted someone in that office who was going to get back to the bread-and-butter basics of being the chief law enforcement officer and defending and enforcing the laws that are passed by the general assembly and signed by the governor.”

“Now it’s time to not only talk the talk, but to walk the walk. So we have a responsibility in the coming days to work with whomever, regardless if you have a Republican designation by your name, or a Democratic designation by your name,” Cameron said later.

Cameron said he would focus on fighting the drug epidemic that has swept through the nation.

Republican President Donald Trump congratulated Cameron, writing in a statement: “Great going Daniel, proud of you!”

He shared a post by the GOP that noted that history was made with the election.

Cameron wrote back: “Thank you @realDonaldTrump—looking forward to working with you to take on the drug crisis, stop illegal immigration, and uphold the rule of law!”

Trump endorsed Cameron in July, calling him “a new STAR” of the Republican party.

“He is tough on Crime, Strong on Borders, and will fight for our Second Amendment. Daniel will never let you down. He has my Full and Complete Endorsement!” the president said.