Democrat Andy Beshear sworn in as Kentucky governor in midnight swearing

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Democrat Andy Beshear was sworn in as Kentucky’s governor during a private ceremony early Tuesday, just after midnight in the Governor’s Mansion.

The new governor called on Kentucky to set an example by putting aside political divisions to work together.

Beshear follows in the footsteps of his father, Steve Beshear, whose two terms as governor preceded the one four-year term of Republican Matt Bevin.

Beshear defeated Bevin in last month’s election, overcoming the bluegrass state’s GOP leanings with a disciplined campaign that stuck to “kitchen-table” issues.

The middle-of-the-night swearing in is customary in Kentucky, to ensure continuity at the head of state government.