Kentucky GOP governor candidate who lost in primary endorses Democrat

A Kentucky GOP candidate who lost in the gubernatorial primary to incumbent Gov. Matt Bevin (R) has thrown his support behind the Democratic nominee.

William Woods endorsed Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear (D) on Monday ahead of next month’s election.

{mosads}Beshear shared a video of Woods’s endorsement on Twitter.

Woods said that crossing party lines to back Beshear is the “right thing to do.”

“I’m ready for a governor who will respect all of us, regardless of political affiliation,” Woods said.

“I’m here today to endorse Andy Beshear as our next governor. This election isn’t about politics for me, it’s about doing the right thing.” – William Woods, 2019 Republican primary opponent of Matt Bevin & lifelong Kentuckian from Boone County pic.twitter.com/VlxnR44eDh

— Andy Beshear (@AndyBeshearKY) October 21, 2019

Woods finished a distant third in the May primary, earning slightly more than 14,000 votes, compared to more than 136,000 votes for Bevin.

Woods cited Beshear’s support for public school teachers and law enforcement in explaining his endorsement.

His reference to teachers follows last year’s standoff between state educators and the GOP-controlled legislature.

Several public schools were closed as teachers went on strike to protest changes to their pension system made by the Republican legislature. Bevin was at odds with teachers and the union that represents them, publicly criticizing the group at times.

Beshear also picked up an endorsement from Republican state Sen. Dan Seum in July. The state lawmaker did not endorse Bevin when he won his first term as governor in 2015.

President Trump has endorsed Bevin for reelection and is slated to hold a rally in Kentucky next month before the election.

The Hill has reached out to Bevin’s campaign for comment on Woods’s endorsement of Beshear.