Faith and fairness framed Gov. Andy Beshear’s speech at the annual Kentucky Fairness Rally, where he reaffirmed support for the state’s LGBTQ community while fueling speculation about a possible 2028 presidential bid.
Speaking at the Kentucky State Capitol Education Center in Frankfort, Beshear leaned heavily on his Christian faith — a theme he has emphasized both as governor and during recent national appearances as talk of a 2028 run grows.
“I’m tired of faith being hijacked to hurt people instead of to help people. I think it’s time that we take it back as a force for good in public life,” Beshear told a packed room Wednesday.
During his remarks, he referenced biblical parables and spoke openly about how his faith informs his views on LGBTQ rights. His approach sets him apart from previous Kentucky governors — including his father, Steve Beshear, who defended the state’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage — and from several Democratic figures who speak less frequently about religion.
Beshear became the first sitting governor to address the Fairness Rally in 2020 and has continued appearing at the annual gathering of LGBTQ advocates in Frankfort.
A Contrast Within the Democratic Party
Beshear has also drawn contrasts with other potential 2028 Democratic contenders, including Gavin Newsom. Newsom recently said on his podcast that he does not believe transgender girls should compete in girls’ sports. Beshear, by comparison, has said such decisions should be left to the governing athletic bodies.
The distinction comes as Democrats continue shaping their national message on LGBTQ rights following the 2024 election cycle, which featured sharp contrasts between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on cultural issues.
Chris Hartman, executive director of the Kentucky Fairness Campaign, praised Beshear’s approach.
“He’s somebody who is coming and speaking with candor about what drives his values, how they are rooted in faith, and how faith and fairness can coexist together,” Hartman said. “The synergy there is what’s going to give folks the energy and the motivation to move forward.”
Hartman joked about 2028 and Beshear’s upcoming book release — widely seen as a potential precursor to a presidential run — before clarifying that Beshear was “officially running… one of our nation’s most popular political podcasts!”
Pushing Back Against GOP Supermajorities
Beshear closed by signaling that his national posture on LGBTQ rights would mirror his battles with Kentucky’s Republican-controlled legislature. Though he has vetoed several LGBTQ-related bills, lawmakers — who hold supermajorities — have overridden those vetoes.
“Don’t back down — not to a Republican supermajority here, not to a president elsewhere,” Beshear said. “We know what’s right. We know we’re on the side of right, and I’ll keep standing up to him, or them, because I believe in you.”
Attendees responded enthusiastically.
Jerome Hickman Jr. of Louisville said he would actively campaign for Beshear if he seeks the Democratic nomination.
“I love his message because his message is he wants to make sure that everybody’s treated fair, treated equally, and that they don’t get discriminated against,” Hickman said.
Democratic congressional candidate Erin Petrey said Beshear’s framing resonates because it feels authentic.
“He roots it in humanity. This isn’t about ‘you have to have a pride flag on’ or ‘you have to go to a drag show.’ It’s about just treating people like people because that’s the right thing to do,” Petrey said.
Legislative Battles and 2026 Races
Beyond Beshear’s speech, speakers urged opposition to Republican-backed legislation.
Hartman warned attendees about Senate Bill 72, which would allow health care providers to refuse treatment if it conflicts with their conscience. Supporters say it protects providers’ rights, while LGBTQ advocates argue it could enable discrimination.
He also criticized House Bill 468, which would shift enforcement of civil rights law away from state and local human rights commissions and instead require individuals to pursue private lawsuits.
Former Kentucky poet laureate Silas House targeted Andy Barr, a Republican congressman representing much of Central Kentucky. House referenced a recent ad in which Barr stated, “it’s not a sin to be white. It’s not against the law to be male. And it shouldn’t be disqualifying to be a Christian.”
“We have to do all we can to make sure that he does not become our next senator,” House said, accusing Barr of consistently opposing equality measures.
Two Democratic U.S. Senate candidates also addressed the crowd: Charles Booker and Pamela Stevenson.
Stevenson, an ordained minister, echoed Beshear’s message, saying, “God makes no mistakes.”
Booker connected LGBTQ-focused political attacks to broader economic concerns, accusing Republicans of “weaponizing identity” to divide voters.
“We could be addressing all of these issues, but instead of fighting for you, we have politicians who are using your identity to tear us apart so that they can rob us blind,” Booker said. “So hear me clearly: we’re not taking the bait anymore.”
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