The 2027 Kentucky gubernatorial election will be held on November 2, 2027, to elect the governor of Kentucky. The winner will succeed Democratic incumbent Andy Beshear, who is term limited and ineligible to seek a third consecutive term. Primary elections will be held on May 18, 2027.
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) Jacqueline Coleman, lieutenant governor of Kentucky (2019–present) Declined Adam Edelen, former Kentucky auditor of public accounts (2012–2016) Attica Scott, former state representative from HD-41 (2017–2023)
Endorsements
Polling Poll sourceDate(s)administeredSamplesizeMarginof errorRockyAdkinsJacquelineColemanUndecidedPublic Policy Polling (D)May 12–13, 2026650 (LV)—14%40%45%
Republican primary Candidates Filed paperwork Brett St. Amand, veteran Rick Hardin, commonwealth's attorney for Kentucky's 46th judicial circuit (2018–present) Charles "Bruiser" Martin, distiller and reality television contestant
Announcement pending James Comer, U.S. representative from KY-01 (2016–present) and candidate for governor in 2015
Publicly expressed interest Savannah Maddox, state representative from the 61st district (2019–present) and candidate for governor in 2023 Thomas Massie, U.S. representative from KY-04 (2012–present)
Potential Daniel Cameron, former Kentucky attorney general (2019–2024) and nominee for governor in 2023 Nate Morris, businessman and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026
Declined Michael Adams, Kentucky secretary of state (2020–present) (endorsed Comer) Stan Cave, former chief of staff to Governor Ernie Fletcher (2004–2007) and former state representative from the 45th district (1993–2001) Russell Coleman, attorney general of Kentucky (2024–present) (running for re-election) KC Crosbie, co-chair of the Republican National Committee (2025–present) Scott Jennings, political strategist Robert Stivers, president of the Kentucky Senate (2013–present) from the 25th district (1997–present)
Endorsements
Polling
Poll sourceDate(s)administeredSamplesizeMarginof errorJamesComerMichaelAdamsUndecidedAxis Research (R)April 19–21, 2026407 (LV)± 4.9%46%14%38%
Notes
Partisan and media clients
References
External links Official campaign websites Rocky Adkins (D) Brett St. Amand (R) Jacqueline Coleman (D) Rick Hardin (R)