Adkins enters Democratic primary race for Governor

Former state legislator and Beshear advisor Rocky Adkins has thrown his hat into the ring in the race to be Kentucky’s next Governor.

In a campaign video released online, Adkins said he has stood side by side with Andy Beshear, fighting for Kentuckians and against the Republican supermajorities in both chambers of the Legislature. He suggested that the Governor’s Office is the only one that can check the GOP agenda, which he called radical. He said he is the man for the job and called for unity among Democrats.

Adkins said, "The governor of Kentucky is the last line of defense for the people of this commonwealth. 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 joins Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman in a race between members of Beshear’s hand-chosen inner circle. While the announcement came on Tuesday morning, his entry had been rumored for some time and was tipped when Adkins quietly stepped away from the administration on July 10th. Adkins has since been appointed by Beshear to the Kentucky State Fair Board.

A campaign kickoff event where Adkins welcomed friends, supporters, and media was held in Lexington on Tuesday afternoon. 

The Sandy Hook native and former Morehead State point guard served in the Kentucky House of Representatives in a district that included Rowan, Elliott, and Lewis Counties from 1987 until he ran for Governor in 2019. Adkins narrowly lost that primary to now-two-term Governor Beshear.  

The gubernatorial primary isn’t until May 18th, 2027.