(WKYT) – Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced Monday she would run for governor in the upcoming election.
Coleman has served under Gov. Andy Beshear as the state’s 58th lieutenant governor since 2019, and was previously an educator and basketball coach.
Originally from Burgin, Coleman graduated from Mercer County High School and continued her undergraduate education at Centre College.
Coleman received a master’s degree in political science from the University of Louisville, and is currently completing a doctorate at the University of Kentucky.
“Kentucky’s economic momentum is real, it’s historic, and Jacqueline has no intention of letting up. And Jacqueline believes that here in Kentucky, we take care of business by taking care of people,” Coleman’s website says. “The next chapter has to be about strengthening our schools, supporting Kentucky families, and making sure every single person in this commonwealth has a fair shot at the future we’re building together.”
Reactions from other politicians are varied so far. Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General, responded to WKYT’s X post that shared the news saying, “A respectful reminder: Jacqueline Coleman isn’t my sister. She’s not my ex-wife. And she will never be Kentucky’s Governor.”
Senior Advisor to Andy Beshear Rocky Adkins spoke about his ideas on the election.
Adkins says, “I’ve been humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement from folks across Kentucky who care deeply about the future of our Commonwealth. Right now I’m focused on my job as Senior Advisor to the Governor and building on the strong record he has produced. But people back home know you can’t keep a Kentucky boy out of the fight when the future of our state is on the line. I’m thinking carefully about what comes next and what’s best for Kentucky and will have more to say when the time is right.”