2019 Gubernatorial Race

Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes says she won’t run for governor or any other statewide office this year.

In a statement released Monday, Grimes said that she had been considering a campaign to become Kentucky’s second female governor but ended speculation that she would do so.

“While I am grateful for the confidence, support and friendship from thousands of supporters across this state, I have decided not to run another statewide campaign this year,” Grimes said.

Kentucky's Republican primary for governor is shaping up to be a three-man race.  William Woods of Grant County filed paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office on Monday.

Woods is a businessman from Corinth who ran unsuccessfully for the state House in 2012.  He’s seeking the GOP nomination for governor alongside running mate Justin Miller of Florence. 

Woods’ campaign platform includes legalizing marijuana and casino gaming as ways to generate additional state revenue.  He’s in favor of keeping public employee pensions at full funding levels while eliminating pensions for state lawmakers. 

A new state lawmaker from eastern Kentucky has become the first Republican to formally launch a campaign for governor as speculation continues over whether Gov. Matt Bevin will run for re-election.

In an announcement Tuesday morning, Rep. Robert Goforth of East Bernstadt criticized Bevin’s character and stance on issues.

“I’m not a New England transplant using the people of Kentucky to feed my ego or audition for a job in Washington D.C.,” Goforth said. “Rather, I empathize with millions of my fellow Kentuckians. I understand and I respect you because I am you.”

Former State Auditor Adam Edelen is the third Democrat to launch a bid for Kentucky governor.

During an announcement in Lexington, Edelen said as governor he would focus on fixing the state’s public education system, protecting health coverage and generating new revenue for the state’s cash-strapped budget.

Edelen depicted himself as a new direction for Kentucky Democrats, saying that he is an alternative to “the stale scent of incrementalism and nostalgia.”