2027 Kentucky gubernatorial election
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The 2027 Kentucky gubernatorial election will be held on November 2, 2027, to elect the governor of Kentucky. Democratic incumbent Andy Beshear is ineligible to seek a third consecutive term. Primary elections will be held on May 18, 2027.[1]
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November 2, 2027
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This is the only Democratic-held governorship up for election in 2027.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Rocky Adkins, former senior advisor to the governor (2019–2026)[2]
- Jacqueline Coleman, lieutenant governor of Kentucky (2019–present)[3]
Declined
- Adam Edelen, former Kentucky auditor of public accounts (2012–2016)[4]
- Attica Scott, former state representative from HD-41 (2017–2023)[5]
Endorsements
Jacqueline Coleman
- State legislators
- Gary Clemons, SD-37 (2026–present)[6]
- Rachel Roarx, HD-38 (2023–present)[6]
- Cherlynn Stevenson, former HD-88 (2019–2025)[7]
- Reggie Thomas, SD-13 (2014–present)[6]
- Labor unions
- Individuals
- Hadley Duvall, abortion rights activist[9]
Rocky Adkins
- Statewide officials
- Jim Gray, former Kentucky secretary of transportation (2019–2026)[10]
- Labor unions
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Rocky Adkins |
Jacqueline Coleman |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling (D)[12][A] | May 12–13, 2026 | 650 (LV) | – | 14% | 40% | 45% |
Republican primary
Candidates
Filed paperwork
- Brett St. Amand, veteran[13][14]
- Rick Hardin, commonwealth's attorney for Kentucky's 46th judicial circuit (2018–present)[13][15]
- Charles "Bruiser" Martin, distiller and reality television contestant[13][16]
Publicly expressed interest
- James Comer, U.S. representative from KY-01 (2016–present) and candidate for governor in 2015[17]
- Savannah Maddox, state representative from the 61st district (2019–present) and candidate for governor in 2023[18]
- Thomas Massie, U.S. representative from KY-04 (2012–present)[19]
Potential
- Daniel Cameron, former Kentucky attorney general (2019–2024) and nominee for governor in 2023[3]
- Nate Morris, businessman and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026[3]
Declined
- Michael Adams, Kentucky secretary of state (2020–present) (endorsed Comer)[20]
- Stan Cave, former chief of staff to Governor Ernie Fletcher (2004–2007) and former state representative from the 45th district (1993–2001)[4]
- Russell Coleman, attorney general of Kentucky (2024–present)[18] (running for re-election)[21]
- KC Crosbie, co-chair of the Republican National Committee (2025–present)[4]
- Scott Jennings, political strategist[22]
- Robert Stivers, president of the Kentucky Senate (2013–present) from the 25th district (1997–present)[23]
Endorsements
James Comer (undeclared)
- Statewide officials
- Michael Adams, Kentucky secretary of state (2020–present)[20]
- Jonathan Shell, Kentucky commissioner of agriculture (2024–present)[24]
Polling
Notes
- Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear
Partisan and media clients
- Poll sponsored by the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, which supports Coleman
