FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear began his second term of office Tuesday, taking the oath of office during a special midnight ceremony in the Capitol rotunda.

Beshear becomes only the third Kentucky governor to serve consecutive terms since the state Constitution was changed to allow governors to seek a second term. He follows former Gov. Paul Patton and his father, former Gov. Steve Beshear, to hold that distinction.

During his inaugural speech last night, Beshear called for Kentucky to lead the way by ending political divisiveness and embracing the state’s motto, “United we stand, divided we fall.”

A parade and public inauguration were also held in Frankfort this afternoon.