Rocky Adkins announces bid for Kentucky governor

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WNKY) — Former Kentucky House Democratic leader and former senior advisor to Gov. Andy Beshear, Rocky Adkins, announced Tuesday that he is running for governor in 2027.

According to a campaign news release, Adkins is entering the race after nearly four decades in public service. His campaign says he plans to focus on issues including education, health care, job creation and lowering costs for Kentuckians.

“The governor of Kentucky is the last line of defense for the people of this commonwealth,” Adkins said in the release. “That protection is only as strong as the person behind the desk. Right now, Kentucky needs a governor with the experience, backbone and record to take on these fights and win.”

Adkins represented eastern Kentucky in the state House of Representatives for more than 30 years and served as the chamber’s Democratic leader before joining Beshear’s administration in 2019. In his role as senior advisor, he worked with local and state officials on disaster response efforts, economic development projects and infrastructure initiatives, according to the release.

“Life is too hard for too many Kentuckians, and it does not have to be that way,” Adkins said. “People are working hard and doing their part. They deserve a government that does its part, too. For the past six years, we have worked to build a government that serves the people. I am running to make sure that work continues.”

Adkins joins Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman in the Democratic primary. Coleman launched her campaign for governor on April 20, 2026.

No Republican candidates had officially filed paperwork for the governor’s race as of Tuesday.

Kentucky’s gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for May 18, 2027. The general election will be held Nov. 2, 2027.