Beshear returns to flood-torn Eastern Kentucky amid VP speculation

Two years after floods raced through Eastern Kentucky, killing 45 people and destroying hundreds of homes, Gov. Andy Beshear returned to the region to assess recovery progress and announce new funding.

On Friday, Beshear made several stops between Wayland and Jackson, Kentucky, where he held a moment of silence for flood victims and checked on new housing.

The trip came amid speculation that Beshear could be tapped as a running mate in Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign — a role for which he said he's "honored to be considered."

The timing also coincides with Beshear's recent attacks against Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance.

Vance, an Ohio senator, published a controversial memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," that referenced his family roots in Breathitt County — Beshear's last stop for the day.

Beshear has criticized Vance for claiming an Appalachian identity because the senator grew up in Middletown, Ohio, which is not considered part of Appalachia. During a Monday MSNBC appearance, Beshear quipped "JD Vance ain't from here," leading one media outlet to label Beshear the Democrats' "top attack dog" on Vance.

In a social media post ahead of the first stop, Beshear doubled down on his pledge to the region, saying his administration has "shown up over and over, committed to rebuilding."

"Eastern Kentucky, I love you," he wrote. "I will see you all very soon."

11 new homes in Wayland, Kentucky

Beshear used his first stop in Wayland to emphasize his vows to the region even if he's selected for higher office.

“My commitment is the same here today as I made when the flooding hit or even the tornadoes six months before, that I'm gonna be here," he said. "No matter what role I'm in, I'm going to be here until every home and every life is repaired. You have my continued promise."

In the Floyd County community, Beshear turned over keys to new homes to 11 families. The homes were built by the Appalachia Service Project, a nonprofit that improves and replaces homes in the region.

Beshear also emphasized his economic development message, saying he would help Eastern Kentucky find “great jobs … at a scale we haven’t seen in a long time.”

“This state and this country have an obligation to you," he said. "And I'm gonna make sure whatever I am doing that we repay that obligation."

100 acres in Leburn, Kentucky

In Leburn, Beshear announced his administration had closed on the purchase of more than 100 acres to build high-ground homes. Together with an adjacent project sponsored by the The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, the land will be used to add 200 new homes.

Beshear spoke about the challenges facing the area, saying he hopes the new homes on higher ground will reverse “a trend of depopulation in Appalachia.”

He also said his administration, as well as ordinary Kentuckians affected by the floods, had pushed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to change its procedures to make it easier for disaster survivors to get help.

“Our collective tenacity, the fact that we didn't back down, the fact that we kept trying and we kept pushing led FEMA to make the biggest changes in our lifetime,” Beshear said. “You've helped Americans all over our great country to better access the funds that help them rebuild because of your efforts just from the flooding.”

Moment of silence in Hindman, ribbon cutting in Hazard

At his next two stops, Beshear held a moment of silence to honor those who died in the floods and cut a ribbon for a road that will provide access to a slated 100-home development.

While his speech mirrored others from earlier in the day, he shifted his focus to take a jab at outsiders — presumably including Vance.

“I'm not gonna let people talk badly about the people of Eastern Kentucky because these are the hardest working, caring people that you will find anywhere in this country,” Beshear said in Hindman.

In Hazard, he called out Vance directly to reporters, saying the senator did not assist Kentucky with flood recovery.

“I don't know of any other efforts (to help),” Beshear said of Vance. “When you have profited from a book talking about Eastern Kentucky, I think it gives you an obligation to invest back in Eastern Kentucky.”

Beshear said he does not know whether Vance has donated to Eastern Kentucky organizations.

But Vanessa Treft of Hazel Green, Kentucky, said she called Vance after the first waves of donations in the aftermath of the floods dried up. He offered to help and wrote a $10,000 check to the Hazel Green Food Project, allowing the organization to buy needed food and cleaning supplies.

"He was there when we needed it and he did not want any public praise for it," Treft told The Courier Journal on Friday.

“This is the second time in two days that Andy Beshear stuck his foot in his mouth while taking cheap shots at JD Vance," said Vance spokesman William Martin. "It’s exactly the type of desperate plea for attention you would expect from a spoiled brat whose daddy handed him the keys to the governor’s mansion.”

Even as he pulled political punches, Beshear emphasized his commitment to a bipartisan, or even nonpartisan, spirit.

“I watched the people of Eastern Kentucky come together the way that we are supposed to, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Kentuckians, as Americans, as people who live the golden rule that we love our neighbor as ourselves,” Beshear said. “We show up when times are tough, and we lean on each other and those that have lost friends and family members.”

Last stop in Breathitt County

Beshear’s last stop came in Jackson, in Breathitt County, where Vance’s family has roots. There, Beshear announced the Kentucky Disaster Recovery Program will award $6 million to the city to build 20 homes for flood survivors.

Beshear emphasized he hopes the Eastern Kentucky recovery projects will not only keep people in the region but draw new residents.

“Folks, I love this state,” Beshear said. “I hope I’ve shown you my commitment to Eastern Kentucky.”

Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @[email protected] or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski. Reach Rebecca Grapevine at [email protected] or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @RebGrapevine.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Beshear returns to flood-torn Eastern Kentucky amid VP speculation