Rocky Adkins files paperwork to run as Democratic candidate for Kentucky governor

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB/WKYT) — Rocky Adkins joined the race for Kentucky's next governor.

A Statement of Intent filed with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance lists Adkins as a Democratic candidate for governor in the May 18, 2027, primary election.

The former Democratic state representative from Elliott County recently served his final day as Gov. Andy Beshear's senior adviser.

Adkins' filing indicates "no exemption," meaning the campaign expects to raise and/or spend more than $5,000 and will file campaign finance reports with the registry.

His political career spans decades, having served 32 years in the Kentucky House of Representatives, the latter part of which he spent as majority leader. In 2019, he ran for governor against Beshear and received the endorsement of former two-term governor Paul Patton, But Beshear beat Adkins in that primary race by six points.

Last week, Beshear announced that Adkins served his last day as senior adviser with the administration July 10. The governor later appointed Adkins to the Kentucky State Fair Board to serve out the remainder of Mike Berry's term, which ends in June 2029. Berry was tapped to take over as interim president and CEO of the board following the removal of David Beck.

Kentucky law requires candidates to submit a Statement of Intent electronically through the registry's filing system. The form identifies the campaign treasurer and whether a candidate intends to raise or spend more than $5,000 in any one election — including the candidate’s own money — or remain under that threshold. Candidates must file the statement within five days of receiving contributions or making expenditures aimed at seeking office, or within five days of filing to run, whichever happens first.

Adkins entering the race sets up a potential high-profile matchup with Democratic Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, who announced her campaign in April.