It’s official: Andy Beshear sworn in as 63rd governor of Kentucky at midnight
Andy Beshear officially became the 63rd governor of Kentucky just after midnight Tuesday morning in a private swearing-in ceremony in the governor’s mansion.
Hours before the public pomp of Inauguration Day, Beshear was sworn into office by Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Michelle M. Keller.
“This ceremony marks a new chapter, it’s a chance to breathe out the past and usher in the future,” Beshear told a small crowd of friends and family. “Kentucky’s oath of office may sound a little outdated to some, but speaking it’s words created in me a sense of gratefulness, humility, excitement.”
Beshear then thanked his family, including his brother Jeff, who emceed the event, and his father, former Gov. Steve Beshear. With the oath of office, Beshear became the first child of a governor to win the state’s highest office. At 42, Beshear is also the youngest governor since former Governor Ned Breathitt took office in 1963.
After Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman was sworn in, Beshear appointed Col. Haldane B. Lamberton as adjutant general.
“Our teachers, students, school leaders and classified staff have not received the recognition and the support they deserve. That changes right now,” said Coleman, the former assistant principal of Nelson County High School. “I will ensure the education community is heard.”
The event kicked off a full day of inauguration festivities that will begin with a breakfast reception at 7:30 a.m. and stretch until the two inaugural balls end at midnight.
Beshear is scheduled to take the oath of office for a second time at 2 p.m. Tuesday in front of the Capitol. The Kentucky Constitution requires a governor to take the oath of office five weeks after Election Day.
This story was originally published December 10, 2019 at 12:24 AM.
