Meet your extensive gubernatorial candidates

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SOUTH CENTRAL, Ky. – It’s a crowded field of republican nominees for governor. Eleven names will be on the Republican ballot this May. Many names you will recognize and some you may not. 

Glasgow native Kelly Craft is one of two women vying for her party’s nomination in the May primary. Her name may sound familiar as she’s graced the national stage serving as a former United Nations ambassador during the Trump administration. 

Kentucky Attorney General, Daniel Cameron, is also in the Republican running. The Trump-endorsed candidate has served as legal counsel to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Ryan Quarles, Kentucky’s Commissioner of Agriculture, is hoping to bring a rural perspective to the Governor’s office by securing his name on the Republican ticket. 

Mike Harmon, who has acknowledged the crowded field of republicans in the primary race, is currently serving his second term as State Auditor. Previously, Harmon served in the Kentucky House of Representatives for 13 years.

Among the lesser-known Republican hopefuls is Kentucky businessman and lawyer, Eric Deters, former McCreary Co school board member Robert Devore, Somerset Mayor Alan Keck, well-water drilling contractor, Anthony Moore, former police officer Johnny Rice, high school teacher Robbie Smith and Kentucky Army National Guard member, David Cooper.

Governor Beshear who filed for reelection in December won’t have to wait until November for a showdown. He has his own fight in the Primary with two Democratic challengers.

The second woman hoping to settle into the Governor’s Mansion is Democrat, Peppy Martin. Martin ran as a Republican candidate for governor in 1999 and gained the party’s nomination, but lost to her Democratic opponent, Paul Patton. 

Finally, perennial Democratic candidate Geoffrey “Geoff” Young, who made his first run for the Governor’s seat in 2015 eager to replace term-limited Governor Steve Beshear, but lost his party’s nomination. 

The May primary for the gubernatorial race is Tuesday, May 16.