FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Former Eastern Kentucky lawmaker Rocky Adkins has taken the first formal step toward a campaign for Kentucky governor, filing campaign finance paperwork ahead of the 2027 election.

Adkins, who represented northeastern Kentucky in the House of Representatives for more than 30 years, recently left his position as senior advisor to Gov. Andy Beshear after serving in the administration since 2019.

The Democrat is expected to formally announce his campaign Tuesday. Beshear cannot seek another term because of Kentucky's term limits.

Adkins was House Democratic floor leader before joining the Beshear administration and has long been one of the most recognizable political figures in Eastern Kentucky.