In a letter to supporters on his campaign Facebook page Friday, Agriculture Commissioner and Republican gubernatorial candidate James Comer conceded and threw his support behind Matt Bevin.
Comer’s running mate was State Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Taylor Mill.
Comer’s loss in the Republican primary by 83 votes was confirmed after a recanvass was completed Thursday. Comer encouraged his supporters to back Bevin in November’s General Election against Democratic Party nominee and Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway.
Comer’s message:
First and foremost, I want to thank you for your continued support throughout this election. Without people like you, our campaign could not have come so close to victory. I am humbled by your dedication and commitment and cannot begin to express my gratitude for your faith in me and my campaign.
After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to forgo a vote recount and concede to Matt Bevin. Within minutes of receiving the recanvass results, I called Matt Bevin to concede and congratulate him on a hard fought victory. Many of you have encouraged me to petition for a vote recount, and I appreciate your commitment to see this campaign through. Your pleas are the only reason why this was a difficult decision for TJ and me. While I do not want to let you down, I believe it is in the best interest of the Republican Party and Kentucky to avoid a long, divisive, and expensive recount. Now is the time to be united against Jack Conway and I stand united with Matt Bevin.
Throughout the entire primary campaign, I grew to appreciate Matt Bevin’s knowledge of the issues, his work ethic, and his morals. Matt ran a clean campaign which focused on the issues important to Kentuckians. I believe Matt Bevin will stand up to the special interest groups that have held our great Commonwealth and fight the corrupt elements that still exist in Frankfort. Therefore, I enthusiastically endorse Matt Bevin for Governor and pledge to do everything I can to see that he wins in November.
Once more, thank you for everything and may God bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jamie Comer