Jacqueline for Kentucky Announces First Wave of Endorsements from Elected Officials for 2027 Gubernatorial Run

FRANKFORT, KY — Today, Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman announced the first group of endorsements from elected officials for her 2027 gubernatorial campaign, building on her early momentum and deep-rooted support from key leaders across the Commonwealth. 

The initial wave of high-profile endorsements feature three influential voices in the Kentucky General Assembly: Senator Gary Clemons (D-Louisville), Representative Rachel Roarx (D-Louisville) and Senator Reggie Thomas (D-Lexington).

"I am honored to have the trust and support of these elected officials right out of the gate," said Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman. "Senators Clemons and Thomas, and Representative Roarx have spent years on the frontlines fighting for working families, stronger public schools and accessible healthcare across the Commonwealth. Together, we are going to build a campaign that gives every Kentuckian a fair shot at a better tomorrow, especially our kids and grandkids.”

The endorsing officials released the following statements:

Senator Gary Clemons (SD-37):

“I’ve spent my career as a union leader fighting for working people on the shop floor. Last year I also took the fight to the State Senate in Frankfort. As a teacher, Lt. Governor Coleman lived our fight first-hand. As Lt Governor, she’s been a friend and ally for the labor movement. I am proud to endorse Jacqueline Coleman for Governor so she can continue the fight for working families.”

Representative Rachel Roarx (HD-38):

"Jacqueline has been a fighter for public education, women’s rights and the working class. Together, we’ve worked on advancing aviation and aerospace jobs in our state. For these reasons and more, I trust her to build a better future for all Kentuckians.”

Senator Reggie Thomas (SD-13):

“Having been a partner with Gov. Beshear over the last seven years, Jacqueline Coleman is best prepared to continue our momentum. From her work in the classroom to Frankfort, she has spent her life making sure Kentuckians have everything they need to be successful.”

Since entering the race, Coleman—the state's highest-elected teacher—has focused her platform on issues that matter to Kentuckians: improving public education, housing, affordable healthcare and lowering costs. On June 1st, to coincide with Kentucky’s birthday, she announced the “Jacqueline for Kentucky Team Roster,” a set of 120 endorsements from everyday Kentuckians in each county. Those appear on her social media channels.