FRANKFORT, Ky. (WDRB) -- Gov. Andy Beshear was publicly sworn in for his second term Tuesday afternoon, and the Inauguration Day festivities continue into the evening.
Beshear took the Oath of Office on the Kentucky Capitol steps, joined by First Lady Britainy Beshear, their children, Will and Lila, family, friends, health care workers, educators and guests, as he delivered his inaugural address to the people of Kentucky.
In his remarks, Beshear said he plans to continue the state's "record-breaking economic win-streak, and create the good-paying jobs that will provide bright and promising futures for every single Kentucky child."
The governor recognized and thanked Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, who was also sworn in during Tuesday's ceremony. He also issued a "special thank you to everyone who worked on my campaign or in state government these last four years. And I want to thank everyone who put their faith in my leadership through their vote."
Ethan the Dog and former Gov. Paul Patton were among those taking part in the parade.
Beshear touched on some of the challenges of his term, including dealing with rebuilding communities leveled by tornadoes and floods in different parts of the state. He also celebrated milestones, like passing legislation to allow sports betting and medical marijuana.
The governor called for unity moving forward, alluding to the teachings of Christ.
"Together, we will not meet hate with hate, or anger with anger, or even frustration with frustration. Instead, we will continue with the same love, empathy, and compassion that has guided us through so much. For me, these values are grounded in my faith. It teaches me to love my neighbor as myself. To not judge, lest I be judged. That what I do to the least of thee, I do to He."
Tuesday's inaugural festivities started early, at 8:30 a.m., with an inaugural breakfast reception at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, followed by the Inaugural Worship Service at First Christian Church.
The "Forward Together" parade started at 11 a.m., and ended around 12:30 p.m. ahead of the Inaugural Prelude at 1:30 p.m., and the public swearing-in ceremony at 2 p.m. The parade featured former Gov. Paul Patton and his wife, Judi, as well as Ethan the Dog.
Pictured: this screen grab taken from video from KET Television shows former Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton and his wife Judi taking part in the "Forward Together" inauguration parade for Gov. Andy Beshear on the Capitol grounds on Dec. 12, 2023. (KET Television)
The governor had already renewed his Oath of Office during a ceremony at the Capitol early Tuesday, and a private swearing-in ceremony late Monday night.
The governor defeated Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron in November's election, extending Beshear's winning streak in a state that otherwise has swung decidedly toward the GOP.
He had a resounding win in Louisville — 70% of all votes in Jefferson County — and won by an even larger margin in Fayette County, the state's second-largest county.
Related Stories:
- Fresh off resounding win, Kentucky Gov. Beshear strives to have 2nd term that 'makes people proud'
- Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear wins reelection in Kentucky
Copyright 2023. WDRB Media. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.
