Challenges in the Life of Matt Bevin in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Matt Bevin. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Matt Bevin is an American businessman and politician. He served as the 62nd Governor of Kentucky from 2015 to 2019 as a Republican. He lost his re-election bid in 2019 to Democrat Andy Beshear. Currently, Bevin is the CEO of Neuronetrix Solutions, LLC.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2007: Late Tax Payment on Vacation Home

In 2007, Bevin was late on a tax payment on his $1.2 million vacation home in Greenwood, Maine.

2008: Delinquent Taxes Incurred

In 2008, Bevin Brothers incurred delinquent taxes.

May 27, 2012: Factory Destroyed by Fire

On May 27, 2012, a lightning strike sparked a fire that destroyed the Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Company factory.

March 2013: MIT Affiliation Clarified

In March 2013, The Hill reported that Bevin falsely claimed on his LinkedIn page that he attended a seminar affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this discrepancy was clarified on his LinkedIn page at that time.

April 25, 2014: Bevin apologizes for attending cockfighting event

On April 25, 2014, Matt Bevin apologized for attending an event that primarily involved a discussion of cockfighting. He stated that he is not a supporter of cockfighting or any other forms of animal cruelty. Political analysts speculated that this event could negatively impact Bevin's campaign.

2014: Challenged Mitch McConnell

In 2014, Bevin launched a primary challenge against Kentucky's senior U.S. senator, Mitch McConnell, but lost by almost 25 percentage points.

May 2016: Bevin's Low Approval Ratings

As of May 2016, Matt Bevin had one of the lowest approval ratings among United States governors, signaling public discontent.

September 2016: Kentucky Supreme Court Reverses Ruling on Bevin's Budget Cuts

In September 2016, the Kentucky Supreme Court issued a 5–2 decision reversing the Franklin Circuit Court's ruling and agreeing with Attorney General Andy Beshear that Matt Bevin lacked the authority to make mid-year budget cuts without the approval of the General Assembly.

2018: Bevin's Disapproval Rating at 51%

In late 2018, Matt Bevin's disapproval rating reached 51%, reflecting increasing dissatisfaction with his performance as governor.

January 2019: Bevin Ranked Least Popular Governor Up For Re-election

In January 2019, Morning Consult identified Matt Bevin as the "least popular governor up for re-election in 2019", ranking him number six among the least popular governors in the United States.

April 2019: Bevin Least Popular Governor in the US

According to an April 2019 poll, Matt Bevin was the least popular governor in the United States, with a 52% disapproval rating and a 33% approval rating.

July 2019: Bevin Vulnerable in Deep-Red State

In July 2019, the National Journal placed Matt Bevin second in its list of governor seats most likely to switch parties, citing his unpopularity and party infighting as factors making him vulnerable in the deep-red state.

November 14, 2019: Conceded Re-Election

On November 14, 2019, after requesting a recount, Bevin conceded the re-election to Kentucky attorney general Andy Beshear.

November 2019: Bevin Defeated by Andy Beshear

In November 2019, Matt Bevin was defeated by Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear in the gubernatorial election, ending his term as governor.

December 23, 2019: FBI Questioned Chris Harris

On December 23, 2019, it was reported that the FBI had questioned state representative Chris Harris about Bevin's pardons.

January 2, 2020: Attorney General Asked FBI to Investigate Pardons

On January 2, 2020, Attorney General Daniel Cameron asked the FBI to investigate Bevin's pardons.

February 8, 2024: Atlantis Leadership Academy Shut Down

On February 8, 2024, the Atlantis Leadership Academy in Jamaica, where Matt Bevin's adopted son was sent, was shut down following an unannounced inspection due to possible abuse and neglect. The facility was found to have primitive conditions, and the children were removed and placed into the custody of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).

May 2024: Jonah Bevin Returns to the United States

In May 2024, Jonah Bevin returned to the United States after being at Atlantis Leadership Academy and later being placed under the care of the Jamaican State. He obtained a high school diploma and was left homeless at age 18.

March 7, 2025: Protective Order Issued Against Matt Bevin

On March 7, 2025, a Jefferson County, Kentucky judge issued a temporary protective order against Matt Bevin, restricting him from contacting Jonah Bevin and requiring him to relinquish all firearms in his possession until a March 19, 2025, hearing.

March 2025: Protective Order Deal Reached and Divorce Finalized

In March 2025, a deal was reached to keep the protective order against Matt Bevin in place for six months. Also in March 2025, Matt and Glenna Bevin's divorce was finalized. Both adoptive parents are also required to provide Jonah with "any information or documents related to [his biological] family, whether they're alive or not".