Goforth introduced Lawrence County Attorney Mike Hogan as his running mate during his kickoff event Tuesday in London, Kentucky.
Goforth is the first Republican to challenge Bevin's re-election bid. Bevin has said he'll run for another term but he has yet to file for the office or begin to raise money.
Repudiating Bevin's governing style, Goforth said Kentucky needs a governor who "leads more than he lambasts." Goforth broke with his party's leadership last year to oppose pension legislation that was struck down in court.
Bevin has a combative relationship with teachers who opposed the pension changes. Goforth says Kentuckians are "tired of being talked down to."
