Births on January 9

Matt Bevin, American politician, 62nd governor of Kentucky

Matthew Griswold Bevin (born January 9, 1967) is a distinguished American businessman and politician who notably served as the 62nd Governor of Kentucky from 2015 to 2019. His election marked a significant political shift, as he became only the third Republican to hold the Kentucky governorship since World War II, following Ernie Fletcher (2003–2007) and Louie Nunn (1967–1971), underscoring a changing political landscape in a state traditionally associated with Democratic leadership.

Early Life, Education, and Entrepreneurial Ventures

Born in Denver, Colorado, Matthew Bevin's formative years were spent in Shelburne, New Hampshire. He pursued higher education at Washington and Lee University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1989. Following his academic pursuits, Bevin honorably served four years of active duty in the U.S. Army, demonstrating leadership and discipline as he attained the rank of captain. Upon concluding his military service, Bevin transitioned into the private sector, where he achieved considerable financial success in the investment business. In 1999, he relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, establishing roots in the Commonwealth. A notable aspect of his business career includes his role as president of Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Company, a historic family business founded in 1832. This company stands as one of the last remaining American bell foundries, producing a wide array of bells for various uses, from cowbells to ship bells, highlighting his connection to traditional American manufacturing.

Political Journey and Key Elections

The 2014 Senate Challenge Against Mitch McConnell

In 2013, Matt Bevin made a bold entry onto the national political stage by announcing his intent to challenge Kentucky's powerful senior U.S. Senator and then-Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell, in the 2014 Republican primary. Bevin garnered considerable support from various conservative groups aligned with the Tea Party Movement, which advocated for reduced government spending, lower taxes, and a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. However, McConnell, a seasoned political strategist, relentlessly attacked Bevin, often highlighting perceived inconsistencies in his public statements and evolving policy positions. Ultimately, McConnell decisively defeated Bevin by a substantial margin of almost 25 percentage points, a testament to the incumbent's political formidable presence.

Triumphant Gubernatorial Bid in 2015

Despite the setback in the Senate primary, Bevin quickly refocused his political aspirations, announcing his candidacy for Governor of Kentucky in 2015. He successfully navigated a competitive four-way Republican primary, securing the nomination by an incredibly narrow margin of just 83 votes against his closest competitor. This razor-thin victory showcased his resilience and ability to mobilize support. In the general election, Bevin faced off against the state's popular Attorney General, Democratic nominee Jack Conway. Defying conventional wisdom in a closely watched race, Bevin emerged victorious, winning the governorship and marking a significant win for Republicans in Kentucky.

Key Policies and Controversies as Governor (2015-2019)

During his four-year tenure as governor, Matt Bevin pursued a conservative agenda that led to several significant policy changes and generated considerable public debate:

• "Right-to-Work" Legislation: One of Bevin's hallmark achievements was the passage of "right-to-work" legislation. This law prohibits agreements between employers and labor unions that require employees to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. Proponents argued it would attract businesses and jobs to Kentucky by reducing labor costs and increasing worker freedom, while opponents, primarily labor unions, contended it would weaken workers' rights and depress wages.
• Abortion Access Restrictions: Bevin signed several stringent measures aimed at limiting abortion access in Kentucky. These laws included requirements for ultrasounds before abortions, regulations on abortion clinics, and limits on when and where abortions could be performed, reflecting a strong pro-life stance.
• Permitless Concealed Carry: A significant win for Second Amendment advocates, Bevin signed a law allowing individuals to carry concealed handguns without requiring a permit or training, a policy often referred to as "constitutional carry."
• Medicaid Expansion Reform Efforts: Bevin vigorously attempted to reverse Kentucky's Medicaid expansion, which had been implemented under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by his predecessor. He argued that the expansion was financially unsustainable for the state and sought to impose new requirements on recipients, such as work requirements and premiums. These efforts faced significant legal challenges and public opposition, with the expansion largely remaining in place.
• Teacher Pension Reform Proposals: Addressing Kentucky's severely underfunded public pension system, Bevin proposed sweeping reforms that included changes to benefits for current and future teachers, such as shifting new teachers to a hybrid defined-contribution plan. These proposals were met with widespread protests from educators across the state, who argued the reforms would harm their retirement security and led to significant public demonstrations, including "sick-outs" that closed schools.

The 2019 Re-election Campaign and Post-Governorship

On November 5, 2019, Bevin sought re-election but lost to his Democratic challenger, then-Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear, in an extremely close contest. The final margin of victory for Beshear was incredibly narrow, by just over 5,000 votes, making it one of the closest gubernatorial races in Kentucky history. Following the initial results, Bevin requested a recanvass, an additional check of vote totals at the county level to ensure accuracy. Despite the re-check, the outcome remained unchanged, and Bevin formally conceded the election on November 14, 2019.

Bevin's final days in office were marked by significant controversy surrounding his decision to pardon hundreds of criminals. These pardons drew widespread criticism due to their sheer volume, the severity of the crimes involved (including individuals convicted of serious violent offenses such as murder, rape, and child sex abuse), and concerns about a lack of transparency and the potential influence of political contributions—notably, one pardon was granted to a relative of a contributor to his gubernatorial campaign. The controversy escalated when, on December 23, 2019, it was reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had questioned state representative Chris Harris regarding Bevin's pardons. Subsequently, on January 2, 2020, incoming Attorney General Daniel Cameron formally requested that the FBI launch a full investigation into the legality and ethical implications of the pardons, highlighting the gravity of the allegations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matt Bevin

When was Matt Bevin Governor of Kentucky?

Matt Bevin served as the 62nd Governor of Kentucky from December 8, 2015, to December 10, 2019.

Was Matt Bevin a Republican or Democrat?

Matt Bevin is a Republican. He was only the third Republican governor elected in Kentucky since World War II.

What was the Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Company?

Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Company is a historic, family-owned American bell foundry, founded in 1832. Matt Bevin served as its president, connecting him to a unique piece of American industrial heritage.

What were some of Governor Bevin's key policies?

During his term, Governor Bevin championed policies such as "right-to-work" legislation, stricter laws limiting abortion access, permitless concealed carry, and attempts to reform Medicaid expansion and the state's teacher pension system.

Why were Matt Bevin's pardons controversial?

The pardons issued by Governor Bevin in his final days were controversial due to their high volume, the serious nature of some of the crimes (including violent offenses), allegations of political favoritism (including a pardon for a relative of a campaign contributor), and a perceived lack of transparency in the review process. These actions prompted an FBI inquiry requested by the state's Attorney General.