FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — The race for Kentucky’s next governor is officially underway.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman has announced she is running for governor in 2027, becoming the first candidate from either party to enter the race.

Coleman has served alongside Gov. Andy Beshear during his two terms in office. Beshear is term-limited and cannot run again in 2027.

Before taking office, Coleman worked as a teacher and assistant principal at Nelson County High School. She also founded an education policy nonprofit and was active during the 2018 teacher protests at the state Capitol.

Coleman is from Mercer County and is the daughter of former state representative Jack Coleman. She had not held elected office prior to becoming lieutenant governor.

So far Coleman is the only declared candidate for the office. Current Senior Advisor to Governor Andy Beshear, Rocky Adkins has expressed interest but has yet to make a formal declaration.