FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — After a midnight ceremony, Andy Beshear was officially sworn in as the next governor of Kentucky early Tuesday morning.
The middle-of-the-night ceremony is a tradition in the state to ensure a continuance at the head of state government.
"I'm humbled that Kentucky has placed this duty and this honor--that it has trusted me. Humbled that the people of Kentucky trust me to move the families of Kentucky forward," said Beshear. "But humility is what reminds me that I must still earn the trust of so many through my words, my deeds and my actions."
42-year-old Beshear follows in his father's footsteps. Former governor Steve Beshear was a two-term governor from 2007 to 2015 and now the pair are the first father-son duo to serve as governor in the state's history.
Early Tuesday morning Jacqueline Coleman was also sworn in as the state's lieutenant governor.
"This is about our Commonwealth. It's about the needs and priorities of our citizens. It's about our children, our families and our future," Coleman said. "I joined forces with Andy because we share the same vision: to make Kentucky a better, healthier, more decent and caring place for everyone."
She reminded the crowd about her focus.
"The support of public education. Our teachers, students, school leaders and classified staff have not received the recognition and the support they deserve. That changes right now," said Coleman.
Beshear gave a preview of the Inauguration Day tone.
"The theme of my inaugural address is Team Kentucky. I'm gonna talk about at our founding, we decided to be a Commonwealth. Not just a state. A Commonwealth created for the common good of all of our people," said Beshear. "It's in these times of transition and new government that we can remember that we can remember that the common good is for all Kentuckians. Not just Democrats. Not just Republicans."
Inauguration Day kicks off with a worship service at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at 8:30 a.m. Then from 10 a.m. to noon in Frankfort there will be a parade. After that, at 1 p.m., there is set to be a prelude on the Capitol Steps followed by the swearing-in ceremony at 2 p.m. in the same place.
The Capitol will be open during the afternoon for visitors to walk through and the winners of Mrs. Beshear's Team Kentucky poster contest will be announced. At 8 p.m. there is set to be a grand march at the the Capitol rotunda followed by the open-to-the-public inaugural balls on the Capitol Grounds until midnight.
