Kentucky Auditor Mike Harmon is an early entrant in the 2023 race for governor. The taxpayer watchdog could be part of a potentially crowded field of Republicans eager to take on the state’s Democratic incumbent.
With the campaign announcement, Harmon jumps ahead of other possible Republican gubernatorial hopefuls including Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, Congressman. Andy Barr, and State Treasurer Allison Ball.
Harmon tells WKYT-TV his supporters have been approaching him about a run.
"In the last several years, I've had multiple inviduals approach me and ask me to run for governor," he told the station. "I'm a Christian, a husband, a father and a grandfather, and I really want this state to be the best it can be for both my kids and my grandkids."
The second-term auditor’s first campaign message hints at likely themes in the Republican race to unseat Gov. Andy Beshear. In a statement, Harmon appeared to take aim at the Democrat’s handling of the pandemic and unemployment, saying Kentuckians have had their liberties and livelihoods “suspended and stolen” while promises to make them whole have “for the most part unfulfilled.”
Harmon was expected to file his official paperwork as soon as Monday.