FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear recently capitalized on an exceptional opportunity at the World Economic Forum by holding 25 meetings with corporate executives over two and a half days, promoting Kentucky as an ideal location for new manufacturing plants and expansions.
For Beshear, this gathering of CEOs from around the globe represented a unique chance to engage with potential investors that otherwise would have required extensive time to reach out to individually. “It allowed us to meet with so many employers that would have taken us months, if not years, to otherwise see,” he stated during his first media briefing upon returning.
His attendance at the event in Davos, Switzerland, comes at a strategic moment as his political presence is expanding within his home state. Increasingly, political commentators are identifying him as a possible candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. In addition, as the incoming chair of the Democratic Governors Association for 2026, he will oversee efforts aimed at winning additional governorships in the upcoming midterm elections.
“He’s doing the necessary things to position himself if he decides to make a national run,” commented Democratic strategist Mark Riddle regarding Beshear’s actions at the forum.
Last year, Beshear was considered a potential running mate for Kamala Harris but ultimately lost out to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He actively supported the Democratic campaign during the fall elections.
In an opinion piece shared with Kentucky newspapers upon his return, Beshear emphasized the advantages for Kentucky that arose from his trip to Europe. “No matter the meeting or event, at the heart of each discussion was Kentucky, our workforce, and our bright future,” he wrote.
He highlighted the significance of foreign investments to the state’s economy, noting that there are 540 foreign-owned businesses in Kentucky providing employment for over 116,000 residents.
While in Davos, Beshear held numerous discussions with executives from foreign companies that jointly employ more than 8,750 individuals in Kentucky, as he revealed. Additionally, he met representatives from firms that have announced expansions in the U.S. but have yet to finalize their locations.
Beshear described his schedule as “full” and mentioned that the meetings yielded promising prospects.
The governor also engaged in panels that focused on manufacturing, workforce development, and advancements in the electric vehicle industry. Kentucky has notably emerged as a leader in the electric vehicle battery market.
Mark Riddle underscored that Beshear’s participation in the global event bolstered both the state of Kentucky and his standing as its governor. “There’s a lot of folks there who care deeply about government and who’s in charge, and to be able to build those relationships is important,” Riddle detailed in a phone interview. “And letting those folks kind of ‘kick his tires’ and see what he’s about is important.”
Beshear consistently highlights Kentucky’s rapid economic growth since he took office in late 2019, which has led to over $35 billion in investments and the creation of more than 59,800 jobs. However, Republican lawmakers attribute these successes to pro-business measures implemented by the GOP-controlled Legislature.
While at Davos alongside Arkansas Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Beshear not only promoted Kentucky as a favorable business environment but also expressed opinions on various national issues.
He showed support for unions, predicted growth in the electric vehicle industry, and cautioned that tariff threats from former President Donald Trump could trigger escalated prices for fuel and food in the U.S.
When asked about Trump’s “America First” policy, Beshear indicated that its impact depends on its execution. “If it’s implemented in a way that ensures that the American people have good jobs, quality health care, strong infrastructure, and strong public safety, those are good things,” he explained.
However, he cautioned that if the policy undermines international alliances, particularly those with Europe that are vital for global stability, it could pose dangers for both global business and world safety.
