Standing in front of the Hall of Governors at the Kentucky Historical Society, Democratic Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced her 2027 run for governor Monday morning.
The 43-year-old, who is a former teacher, assistant principal and basketball coach, is making public education a cornerstone of her campaign. Coleman was Gov. Andy Beshear’s running mate for his 2019 and 2023 elections. She added that her run will focus on putting “people over politics.”
“If you are looking for somebody to talk less about politicians and more about you, or someone who listens more than they talk, here she is,” Coleman said.
Former Democratic Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen, who was appointed to the post by Gov. Steve Beshear to fill a vacancy, introduced Coleman in-person. Coleman’s daughter, Emma Coleman-O’Bryan, spoke to the crowd via a video message as she is serving in the military.
Luallen said it was fitting to announce Coleman’s campaign in front of the Hall of Governors, which houses portraits of past state leaders.
“There is only one female governor on those walls,” Luallens said, referring to the late Gov. Martha Layne Collins, a Democrat. “The words spoken here today will chart a path to elect the next woman whose portrait will hang in that Hall of Governors.”
Coleman also gave a nod to Kentucky’s first and only female governor, who too had served as a lieutenant governor and school teacher. Collins is often credited with bringing a Toyota manufacturing plant to Georgetown in Central Kentucky. Coleman said that “much of our economic success was built on the foundation” established by Collins.
Coleman didn’t speak to reporters after her announcement.
She focused her prepared remarks on education, health care and economics. She vowed to “not stop until Pre-K is a reality for every Kentucky family.” Beshear had attempted to sway the Republican-controlled General Assembly to fund Pre-K for all Kentucky 4-year-olds in the next Kentucky budget, but was not successful.
Coleman referred to a double mastectomy she had in December 2023, shortly after she took the oath of office for lieutenant governor a second time. Her pathology results later revealed that an area was benign but had malignant potential.
“It was a scary time for me and my family. But I was one of the lucky ones. Because having health insurance and access to a hospital meant I could be proactive, and even aggressive, with my healthcare decisions,” Coleman said. “That’s what I want for every Kentuckian — not just access, but autonomy.”
At Centre College, Coleman majored in history and secondary education while playing on the basketball team. She later earned a master’s degree in political science from the University of Louisville, where she was part of the women’s basketball coaching staff.
Her father, Jack Coleman, is a former state representative from Mercer County. She grew up in Harrodsburg.
Coleman endorsed a Democratic candidate in the 6th Congressional District primary last year, former Kentucky House Democratic caucus chair Cherlynn Stevenson. The congressional candidate was present at Coleman’s gubernatorial bid launch, and returned the favor by endorsing her for governor.
“She’s not only a friend, but she has proven herself to be a leader and to be someone who, as we just heard, wants to put kids first and working families first,” Stevenson said. “She has been by my side every step of the way, and now I intend to be by hers.”
Beshear is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2027. Coleman’s announcement makes her the first to formally say she is seeking the office, though she has hinted at a possible run in recent months.
Rocky Adkins, senior adviser to the governor and former Democratic House floor leader, is another rumored candidate for governor. He said via a spokesperson that he has “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,” Adkins said. “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.”
Republicans who have not ruled out a 2027 run are Secretary of State Michael Adams, U.S. Rep. James Comer and state Senate President Robert Stivers. Comer predicted before the 2025 Fancy Farm Picnic that Democrats would nominate Coleman for governor.
In response to Coleman’s news, Adams said on X that Coleman is a “strong candidate.”
“If Republicans don’t nominate our best vote-getter, appeal beyond our base, and focus on improving Kentuckians’ lives, we will have a third term of Andy Beshear,” he added.
Adams was the top vote-getter in the 2023 statewide elections.
