FRANKFORT, Ky. — Those interested in politics are primarily focused on this year’s local elections, and the race for Kentucky governor is more than a year away, but it received its first major candidate today.

Democratic Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced she intends to take over from Gov. Andy Beshear, once his term ends in December 2027.

“I spent the last two years meeting with Kentuckians, asking them what they are looking for in their next governor,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “It’s crystal clear: they want someone who will show up, listen and focus on the issues that truly matter to their families. Not someone who is distracted by the culture war of the day. A governor who will continue to fight for Kentuckians and against the chaos and toxic negativity coming out of Washington, D.C. If you’re looking for somebody to talk less about politicians and more about you, for someone who listens more than they talk, here she is.”

Coleman will focus her campaign on education and the economy. She touted $45 billion in investment and nearly 70,000 new jobs created during the Beshear-Coleman administration and vowed to continue Beshear’s fight to fund pre-kindergarten for all Kentucky 4-year-olds.

There has been no word on who she will select as a running mate.

Although candidates cannot file to run for governor until after this year’s November election, Coleman has filed her intent with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, where she has joined two other candidates. Those candidates include Republican Rick Hardin, of Leitchfield, and independent Geary Cooney, of Owensboro.