US Democrats have made gains in state elections, in what is being seen as a blow to President Donald Trump.
Democrat Andy Beshear claimed victory in Kentucky’s governor vote, after a tight race in the conservative-leaning state.
Meanwhile, Democrats seized full control of the legislature in Virginia for the first time in over 20 years.
The results are being viewed as a gauge of the political mood ahead of next year’s presidential election.
However, Republicans held onto power in the Mississippi governor vote, following a closely-fought race.
In Kentucky, Mr Beshear claimed victory over incumbent Republican governor Matt Bevin after final results gave him a lead of 0.4%.
Mr Bevin, 52, has reportedly said he will not concede, citing unspecified “irregularities”.
However, Mr Beshear, a 41-year-old attorney general whose father was a former governor of the state, said: “We will be ready for that first day in office and I look forward to it.”
