Democrat Rocky Adkins kicked off his 2027 gubernatorial campaign in Lexington on Tuesday, pitching himself as a working class moderate.
Adkins formally announced his campaign that morning after leaving Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration as his senior advisor. Before that, he was majority and minority leader in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
At the event, he framed himself as a bipartisan, working class fighter, inviting comparisons to Rocky Balboa, the fictional boxer, in a campaign video.
“I'm here for every teacher in Lexington that's having to buy their own classroom supplies out of their own pocket,” he said. “I'm here for the farmer in Hopkinsville in West Kentucky watching the weather and the markets, and praying that they'll be able to own their farm and put food on the table. For the line cook, for the nurse, the union worker.”
The Eastern Kentucky Democrat spoke to supporters in Lexington at The Burl, a local music venue and brewery. He picked up endorsements from former Lexington Mayor and State Transportation Secretary Jim Gray and Fayette County Attorney Angela Evans.
“When people across the state talk about Rocky, they talk about someone whose word means something,” Evans said. “Someone who shows up, does the work, and never forgets who he represents, and that is the people of Kentucky.”
During his speech, Adkins pledged to defend Kentucky from “the worst that comes out of Washington, no matter which party is sending it.” While meeting with reporters, Adkins touted his experience as a politician and his ability to work across the aisle.
“I pride myself on that, to be able to do that,” he said. “You know, a good job is not a Democrat or Republican job. It's just a good job. A good road or a good bridge is not right or left. It's just a good road and bridge.”
Adkins also told reporters he has not yet picked a running mate, but has had internal meetings with his team. State law does not require candidates to pick a running mate until after primary elections.
“We're looking for the right person that can really be a catalyst in the cabinet we put together, a lieutenant governor that'll be on the ground, somebody that can work through the different cabinets that we have and help assist and be effective.”
Adkins is the second member from Beshear’s administration to enter the 2027 gubernatorial race. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced her campaign in April. So far, no Republican candidate has announced a bid to run for governor.
