(Reuters) - Matt Bevin, the Republican Kentucky governor backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, conceded defeat on Thursday in a tight race against Democrat Andy Beshear.
Beshear, whose father, Steve, was the state’s last Democratic governor, scored a narrow victory on Nov. 5 despite an election-eve rally headlined by Trump, who remains popular among Republicans.
After a recanvass of the vote showed no change in results, Bevin said at a news conference he would no longer contest the election. “I truly wish the attorney general well as the next governor of the state,” Bevin said.
Beshear responded on Twitter: “It’s official - thank you Kentucky. @GovMattBevin and his team have already begun a smooth transition. It’s time to get to work!”
(This story has been refiled to correct date in first paragraph to Thursday from Tuesday)
Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Richard Chang
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