Republican Bevin concedes Kentucky governor's race

[November 15, 2019]    (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.

Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin concedes the gubernatorial election, acknowledging that the recanvass of votes will not offer him a path to victory during a press conference at the Capitol Building in Frankfort, Kentucky, U.S., November 14, 2019. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

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)

[© 2019 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2019 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.