Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday that Rocky Adkins, the governor’s senior advisor, served his last day with the administration Friday, adding fuel to the speculation circulating in Frankfort that he will run for governor in 2027.

Beshear thanked Adkins for his commitment to serving the people of Kentucky.

“Rocky has been an invaluable part of Team Kentucky and our success, and I am grateful to him for his leadership and his friendship,” Beshear said. “Every day, Rocky shows up ready to serve the people of our Commonwealth, and I know his commitment to public service will continue to drive him in this next chapter. I wish him, Leah and their family all the best.”

Adkins was appointed to the role of senior advisor in 2019 by then-Governor-elect Beshear. In the seven years since, Adkins helped lead the Beshear administration to secure more than 1,300 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $50 billion in announced investments, creating more than 70,000 jobs. He also played a key role during the pandemic and through multiple natural disasters, including recovery and response following the 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods.

“It’s been a tremendous honor working with Gov. Beshear and his team through unprecedented challenges, while also celebrating historic economic investments and record-breaking new jobs at the highest wages in Kentucky history,” Adkins stated. “I’ve committed my career to public service. From working at different levels in the legislature to now the executive branch, these experiences have helped me support families across our Commonwealth, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished.”  

Prior to joining the Beshear administration, Adkins served in the Kentucky House, from 1987 to 2019, and held various roles, including House Majority Leader and the chamber’s Minority Floor Leader. Adkins also ran against Beshear in the 2019 Democratic primary, where he finished second.

If Adkins enters the race to succeed the term-limited Beshear next year, he will join Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman. She has already announced she is running.

Stepping into the role of senior advisor is Ray Perry, who has held the role of deputy secretary of Beshear’s executive cabinet since April. Prior to that, Perry served as Secretary for the Public Protection Cabinet beginning in August 2021.