With Gov. Andy Beshear term-limited and flirting with a run for president as he raises his national profile, the Democratic bench for 2027 lacks potential candidates with the kind of name recognition seen among Republicans — who dominate the rest of state government.
I haven't ruled anything out and I haven't made any decisions yet.Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman
That's led political observers to view Coleman, who has twice run successfully alongside Beshear, as the natural top contender for governor on the Democratic side.
In an interview with Spectrum, Coleman said only time will tell.
"I haven't ruled anything out and I haven't made any decisions yet," she said.
Coleman, who comes from an education background, has said she's spending her time listening to what Kentuckians want going forward.
"I think about the progress that we've made and I think about how important it is to have a teacher at the table to talk about building the future of the economy because it is in our classrooms today," Coleman added, noting it was a "surreal leap" for go from bus duty to running and winning the number two spot alongside Beshear. "I take it very seriously and am still traveling and listening."
Another possible Democratic gubernatorial hopeful could be Beshear advisor and former Kentucky House member Rocky Adkins.
In the meantime, potential names on the GOP side include: U.S. Rep. James Comer, who has said he's "very interested" in the race; Secretary of State Michael Adams, who has commanded strong support at the polls despite some resistance from fellow Republican officeholders who have criticized his cooperation with Beshear during the pandemic; and former GOP Senate Floor Leader Damon Thayer, who was the longest-serving Republican to serve in that leadership role in Kentucky history.