The governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the head of government in Kentucky. Sixty-two men and one woman have served as governor of Kentucky. The governor's term is four years in length; since 1992, incumbents have been able to seek re-election once before becoming ineligible for four years. Throughout the state's history, four men have served two non-consecutive terms as governor, and four others have served two consecutive terms, the most recent being current governor Andy Beshear, who was re-elected to a second term on November 7, 2023. Kentucky is one of only five U.S. states that hold gubernatorial elections in odd-numbered years.
Governor of Kentucky
The governor's office
Happy Chandler created greater efficiency in state government under the Reorganization Act of 1936.
George Madison's death in 1813 occasioned the first instance of gubernatorial succession in Kentucky.
Andrew Graham Beshear is an American attorney and politician who has served as the 63rd governor of Kentucky since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, he is the son of former Governor Steve Beshear.
Beshear in 2024
Beshear meets with U.S. Army Cadet Command leadership at Fort Knox in August 2021.
Beshear with President Joe Biden in 2022
Beshear at the White House to discuss cannabis reform in March 2024