Senate President hasn't ruled out Gov. run

MANCHESTER — One of Kentucky’s most powerful Republican lawmakers says he is keeping the door open to a possible run for governor in 2027.

During an interview with WYMT, Robert Stivers said he has not ruled out seeking the state’s highest office as speculation begins to build around the upcoming gubernatorial race.

“I’m not ruling anything out,” Stivers said. “A lot of people have inquired of me what your future plans are. I haven’t really come to a conclusion. You have to think about, do I like the position I’m in? Or do I want to look at something else? I’ve been doing this for 30 years.”

Stivers, a Manchester native, has served in the Kentucky Senate since 1997 and has held the role of Senate president since 2013. He currently represents Kentucky’s 25th Senate District, which includes Clay, Knox, Jackson, McCreary, Owsley and Whitley counties.

While no Republican candidates have formally entered the 2027 governor’s race, Stivers acknowledged the field could quickly become crowded.

“Whether Congressman Comer jumps in, whether the current secretary of state jumps in,” Stivers said. “If Thomas Massie survives his congressional race, does he jump in the governor’s race? Do any of the individuals who lose this Senate race jump in? Is there somebody else that jumps in? It could be a wide-open primary.”

At this point, Jacqueline Coleman is the only officially declared Democratic candidate in the race.

Stivers has long been considered one of the most influential figures in Kentucky politics, playing a major role in shaping legislation and state funding priorities during his time in Frankfort.