Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announces bid for governor

Published April 20, 2026 12:34pm ET | Updated April 20, 2026 12:34pm ET



Kentucky’s Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman (D-KY) will be running in 2027 to replace her term-limited boss, Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY), as the state’s next governor.

The former history teacher made the announcement on Monday, becoming the first Democrat and prominent politician to declare her candidacy in the race to lead the Bluegrass State. Coleman’s announcement will kick off the race that could bring a lot of prominent Kentucky names to the field, including Reps. James Comer (R-KY) and Thomas Massie (R-KY), who have each flirted with a potential bid.

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