List of governors of Kentucky
Updated: 11/6/2025, 12:54:06 AM Wikipedia source
The governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the head of government of Kentucky and serves as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has a duty to enforce state laws; the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Kentucky General Assembly; the power to convene the legislature; and the power to grant pardons, except in cases of treason and impeachment. The governor is also empowered to reorganize the state government or reduce it in size. Historically, the office has been regarded as one of the most powerful executive positions in the United States. Fifty-nine individuals have held the office of governor. Prior to a 1992 amendment to the state's constitution, the governor was prohibited from succeeding himself or herself in office, though four men (Isaac Shelby, John L. Helm, James B. McCreary and Happy Chandler) served multiple non-consecutive terms. Paul E. Patton, the first Kentucky governor eligible for a second consecutive term under the amendment, won his reelection bid in 1999. James Garrard succeeded himself in 1800, before the constitutional provision existed. Garrard is also the longest serving governor, serving for a total period of eight years and 90 days. In 2023 Democrat Andy Beshear became the 3rd incumbent governor in Kentucky history to be reelected to a second consecutive term. William Goebel, who was elected to the office in the disputed election of 1899, remains the only governor of any U.S. state to die from assassination while in office. Goebel is also the shortest serving governor, serving for a period of only three days. Martha Layne Collins, who held the office from 1983 to 1987, was the first woman to serve as governor and was only the third woman to serve as governor of any U.S. state who was not the wife or widow of a previous governor. The 63rd and current Kentucky governor is Democrat Andy Beshear, who took office on December 10, 2019.
Tables
Governors of the Commonwealth of Kentucky · Governors
1
1
No.
1
Governor
Governor
Isaac Shelby(1750–1826)
Term in office
June 4, 1792–June 1, 1796(did not run)
Party
Democratic-Republican
Election
1792
Lt. Governor
Office did not exist
2
2
No.
2
Governor
Governor
James Garrard(1749–1822)
Governor
June 1, 1796–September 5, 1804(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic-Republican
Party
1796
1800
1800
No.
1800
Governor
Alexander Scott Bullitt
3
3
No.
3
Governor
Governor
Christopher Greenup(1750–1818)
Governor
September 5, 1804–August 23, 1808(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic-Republican
Party
1804
Election
John Caldwell(died November 19, 1804)
Vacant
Vacant
No.
Vacant
4
4
No.
4
Governor
Governor
Charles Scott(1739–1813)
Governor
August 23, 1808–August 24, 1812(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic-Republican
Party
1808
Election
Gabriel Slaughter
5
5
No.
5
Governor
Governor
Isaac Shelby(1750–1826)
Governor
August 24, 1812–September 5, 1816(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic-Republican
Party
1812
Election
Richard Hickman
6
6
No.
6
Governor
Governor
George Madison(1763–1816)
Governor
September 5, 1816–October 14, 1816(died in office)
Term in office
Democratic-Republican
Party
1816
Election
Gabriel Slaughter
7
7
No.
7
Governor
Governor
Gabriel Slaughter(1767–1830)
Governor
October 14, 1816–September 7, 1820(did not run)
Term in office
Democratic-Republican
Party
Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor
Election
Vacant
8
8
No.
8
Governor
Governor
John Adair(1757–1840)
Governor
September 7, 1820–August 24, 1824(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic-Republican
Party
1820
Lt. Governor
William T. Barry
9
9
No.
9
Governor
Governor
Joseph Desha(1768–1842)
Governor
August 24, 1824–August 26, 1828(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic-Republican
Party
1824
Election
Robert B. McAfee
10
10
No.
10
Governor
Governor
Thomas Metcalfe(1780–1855)
Term in office
August 26, 1828–August 28, 1832(term-limited)
Party
NationalRepublican
Election
1828
Lt. Governor
John Breathitt
11
11
No.
11
Governor
Governor
John Breathitt(1786–1834)
Term in office
August 28, 1832–February 21, 1834(died in office)
Party
Democratic
Election
1832
Lt. Governor
James Turner Morehead
12
12
No.
12
Governor
Governor
James Turner Morehead(1797–1854)
Term in office
February 21, 1834–August 30, 1836(did not run)
Party
NationalRepublican
Election
Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor
Lt. Governor
Vacant
13
13
No.
13
Governor
Governor
James Clark(1779–1839)
Term in office
August 30, 1836–August 27, 1839(died in office)
Party
Whig
Election
1836
Lt. Governor
Charles A. Wickliffe
14
14
No.
14
Governor
Governor
Charles A. Wickliffe(1788–1869)
Governor
August 27, 1839–September 2, 1840(did not run)
Term in office
Whig
Party
Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor
Election
Vacant
15
15
No.
15
Governor
Governor
Robert P. Letcher(1788–1861)
Governor
September 2, 1840–September 4, 1844(term-limited)
Term in office
Whig
Party
1840
Lt. Governor
Manlius Valerius Thomson
16
16
No.
16
Governor
Governor
William Owsley(1782–1862)
Governor
September 4, 1844–September 6, 1848(term-limited)
Term in office
Whig
Party
1844
Election
Archibald Dixon
17
17
No.
17
Governor
Governor
John J. Crittenden(1787–1863)
Governor
September 6, 1848–July 30, 1850(resigned)
Term in office
Whig
Party
1848
Election
John L. Helm
18
18
No.
18
Governor
Governor
John L. Helm(1802–1867)
Governor
July 30, 1850–September 2, 1851(did not run)
Term in office
Whig
Party
Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor
Election
Vacant
19
19
No.
19
Governor
Governor
Lazarus W. Powell(1812–1867)
Term in office
September 2, 1851–September 4, 1855(term-limited)
Party
Democratic
Election
1851
Lt. Governor
John Burton Thompson
20
20
No.
20
Governor
Governor
Charles S. Morehead(1802–1868)
Term in office
September 4, 1855–August 30, 1859(term-limited)
Party
American
Election
1855
Lt. Governor
James Greene Hardy
21
21
No.
21
Governor
Governor
Beriah Magoffin(1815–1885)
Term in office
August 30, 1859–August 18, 1862(resigned)
Party
Democratic
Election
1859
Lt. Governor
Linn Boyd(died December 17, 1859)
Vacant
Vacant
No.
Vacant
22
22
No.
22
Governor
Governor
James Fisher Robinson(1800–1882)
Governor
August 18, 1862–September 1, 1863(did not run)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
Succeeded frompresident ofthe Senate
23
23
No.
23
Governor
Governor
Thomas E. Bramlette(1817–1875)
Term in office
September 1, 1863–September 3, 1867(term-limited)
Party
UnionDemocratic
Election
1863
Lt. Governor
Richard Taylor Jacob
24
24
No.
24
Governor
Governor
John L. Helm(1802–1867)
Term in office
September 3, 1867–September 8, 1867(died in office)
Party
Democratic
Election
1867
Lt. Governor
John W. Stevenson
25
25
No.
25
Governor
Governor
John W. Stevenson(1812–1886)
Governor
September 8, 1867–February 13, 1871(resigned)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor
Election
Vacant
1868(special)
1868(special)
No.
1868(special)
26
26
No.
26
Governor
Governor
Preston Leslie(1819–1907)
Governor
February 13, 1871–August 31, 1875(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
Succeeded frompresident ofthe Senate
1871
1871
No.
1871
Governor
John G. Carlisle
27
27
No.
27
Governor
Governor
James B. McCreary(1838–1918)
Governor
August 31, 1875–September 2, 1879(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1875
Election
John C. Underwood
28
28
No.
28
Governor
Governor
Luke P. Blackburn(1816–1887)
Governor
September 2, 1879–September 4, 1883(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1879
Election
James E. Cantrill
29
29
No.
29
Governor
Governor
J. Proctor Knott(1830–1911)
Governor
September 4, 1883–August 30, 1887(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1883
Election
James R. Hindman
30
30
No.
30
Governor
Governor
Simon Bolivar Buckner(1823–1914)
Governor
August 30, 1887–September 1, 1891(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1887
Election
James William Bryan
31
31
No.
31
Governor
Governor
John Y. Brown(1835–1904)
Governor
September 1, 1891–December 10, 1895(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1891
Election
Mitchell Cary Alford
32
32
No.
32
Governor
Governor
William O'Connell Bradley(1847–1914)
Term in office
December 10, 1895–December 12, 1899(term-limited)
Party
Republican
Election
1895
Lt. Governor
William Jackson Worthington
33
33
No.
33
Governor
Governor
William S. Taylor(1853–1928)
Governor
December 12, 1899–January 31, 1900(removed from office)
Term in office
Republican
Party
1899
Election
John Marshall
34
34
No.
34
Governor
Governor
William Goebel(1856–1900)
Term in office
January 31, 1900–February 3, 1900(died in office)
Party
Democratic
Lt. Governor
J. C. W. Beckham
35
35
No.
35
Governor
Governor
J. C. W. Beckham(1869–1940)
Governor
February 3, 1900–December 10, 1907(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor
Election
Vacant
1900(special)
1900(special)
No.
1900(special)
1903
1903
No.
1903
Governor
William P. Thorne
36
36
No.
36
Governor
Governor
Augustus E. Willson(1846–1931)
Term in office
December 10, 1907–December 12, 1911(term-limited)
Party
Republican
Election
1907
Lt. Governor
William Hopkinson Cox
37
37
No.
37
Governor
Governor
James B. McCreary(1838–1918)
Term in office
December 12, 1911–December 7, 1915(term-limited)
Party
Democratic
Election
1911
Lt. Governor
Edward J. McDermott
38
38
No.
38
Governor
Governor
Augustus Owsley Stanley(1867–1958)
Governor
December 7, 1915–May 19, 1919(resigned)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1915
Election
James D. Black
39
39
No.
39
Governor
Governor
James D. Black(1849–1938)
Governor
May 19, 1919–December 9, 1919(lost election)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor
Election
Vacant
40
40
No.
40
Governor
Governor
Edwin P. Morrow(1877–1935)
Term in office
December 9, 1919–December 11, 1923(term-limited)
Party
Republican
Election
1919
Lt. Governor
S. Thruston Ballard
41
41
No.
41
Governor
Governor
William J. Fields(1874–1954)
Term in office
December 11, 1923–December 13, 1927(term-limited)
Party
Democratic
Election
1923
Lt. Governor
Henry Denhardt
42
42
No.
42
Governor
Governor
Flem D. Sampson(1875–1967)
Term in office
December 13, 1927–December 8, 1931(term-limited)
Party
Republican
Election
1927
Lt. Governor
James Breathitt Jr.
43
43
No.
43
Governor
Governor
Ruby Laffoon(1869–1941)
Term in office
December 8, 1931–December 10, 1935(term-limited)
Party
Democratic
Election
1931
Lt. Governor
Happy Chandler
44
44
No.
44
Governor
Governor
Happy Chandler(1898–1991)
Governor
December 10, 1935–October 9, 1939(resigned)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1935
Election
Keen Johnson
45
45
No.
45
Governor
Governor
Keen Johnson(1896–1970)
Governor
October 9, 1939–December 7, 1943(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor
Election
Vacant
1939
1939
No.
1939
Governor
Rodes K. Myers
46
46
No.
46
Governor
Governor
Simeon Willis(1879–1965)
Term in office
December 7, 1943–December 9, 1947(term-limited)
Party
Republican
Election
1943
Lt. Governor
Kenneth H. Tuggle
47
47
No.
47
Governor
Governor
Earle Clements(1896–1985)
Term in office
December 9, 1947–November 27, 1950(resigned)
Party
Democratic
Election
1947
Lt. Governor
Lawrence Wetherby
48
48
No.
48
Governor
Governor
Lawrence Wetherby(1908–1994)
Governor
November 27, 1950–December 13, 1955(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor
Election
Vacant
1951
1951
No.
1951
Governor
Emerson Beauchamp
49
49
No.
49
Governor
Governor
Happy Chandler(1898–1991)
Governor
December 13, 1955–December 8, 1959(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1955
Election
Harry Lee Waterfield
50
50
No.
50
Governor
Governor
Bert Combs(1911–1991)
Governor
December 8, 1959–December 10, 1963(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1959
Election
Wilson W. Wyatt
51
51
No.
51
Governor
Governor
Ned Breathitt(1924–2003)
Governor
December 10, 1963–December 12, 1967(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1963
Election
Harry Lee Waterfield
52
52
No.
52
Governor
Governor
Louie Nunn(1924–2004)
Term in office
December 12, 1967–December 7, 1971(term-limited)
Party
Republican
Election
1967
Lt. Governor
Wendell Ford
53
53
No.
53
Governor
Governor
Wendell Ford(1924–2015)
Term in office
December 7, 1971–December 28, 1974(resigned)
Party
Democratic
Election
1971
Lt. Governor
Julian Carroll
54
54
No.
54
Governor
Governor
Julian Carroll(1931–2023)
Governor
December 28, 1974–December 11, 1979(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor
Election
Vacant
1975
1975
No.
1975
Governor
Thelma Stovall
55
55
No.
55
Governor
Governor
John Y. Brown Jr.(1933–2022)
Governor
December 11, 1979–December 13, 1983(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1979
Election
Martha Layne Collins
56
56
No.
56
Governor
Governor
Martha Layne Collins(1936–2025)
Governor
December 13, 1983–December 8, 1987(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1983
Election
Steve Beshear
57
57
No.
57
Governor
Governor
Wallace Wilkinson(1941–2002)
Governor
December 8, 1987–December 10, 1991(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1987
Election
Brereton C. Jones
58
58
No.
58
Governor
Governor
Brereton C. Jones(1939–2023)
Governor
December 10, 1991–December 12, 1995(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1991
Election
Paul E. Patton
59
59
No.
59
Governor
Governor
Paul E. Patton(b. 1937)
Governor
December 12, 1995–December 9, 2003(term-limited)
Term in office
Democratic
Party
1995
Election
Steve Henry
1999
1999
No.
1999
60
60
No.
60
Governor
Governor
Ernie Fletcher(b. 1952)
Term in office
December 9, 2003–December 11, 2007(lost election)
Party
Republican
Election
2003
Lt. Governor
Steve Pence
61
61
No.
61
Governor
Governor
Steve Beshear(b. 1944)
Term in office
December 11, 2007–December 8, 2015(term-limited)
Party
Democratic
Election
2007
Lt. Governor
Daniel Mongiardo
2011
2011
No.
2011
Governor
Jerry Abramson(resigned November 13, 2014)
Crit Luallen
Crit Luallen
No.
Crit Luallen
62
62
No.
62
Governor
Governor
Matt Bevin(b. 1967)
Term in office
December 8, 2015–December 10, 2019(lost election)
Party
Republican
Election
2015
Lt. Governor
Jenean Hampton
63
63
No.
63
Governor
Governor
Andy Beshear(b. 1977)
Term in office
December 10, 2019–Incumbent
Party
Democratic
Election
2019
Lt. Governor
Jacqueline Coleman
2023
2023
No.
2023
| No. | Governor | Term in office | Party | Election | Lt. Governor | |||
| 1 | | Isaac Shelby(1750–1826) | June 4, 1792–June 1, 1796(did not run) | Democratic-Republican | 1792 | Office did not exist | ||
| 2 | | James Garrard(1749–1822) | June 1, 1796–September 5, 1804(term-limited) | Democratic-Republican | 1796 | |||
| 1800 | Alexander Scott Bullitt | |||||||
| 3 | | Christopher Greenup(1750–1818) | September 5, 1804–August 23, 1808(term-limited) | Democratic-Republican | 1804 | John Caldwell(died November 19, 1804) | ||
| Vacant | ||||||||
| Thomas Posey(acting, elected Speaker in 1805) | ||||||||
| 4 | | Charles Scott(1739–1813) | August 23, 1808–August 24, 1812(term-limited) | Democratic-Republican | 1808 | Gabriel Slaughter | ||
| 5 | | Isaac Shelby(1750–1826) | August 24, 1812–September 5, 1816(term-limited) | Democratic-Republican | 1812 | Richard Hickman | ||
| 6 | | George Madison(1763–1816) | September 5, 1816–October 14, 1816(died in office) | Democratic-Republican | 1816 | Gabriel Slaughter | ||
| 7 | | Gabriel Slaughter(1767–1830) | October 14, 1816–September 7, 1820(did not run) | Democratic-Republican | Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor | Vacant | ||
| 8 | | John Adair(1757–1840) | September 7, 1820–August 24, 1824(term-limited) | Democratic-Republican | 1820 | William T. Barry | ||
| 9 | | Joseph Desha(1768–1842) | August 24, 1824–August 26, 1828(term-limited) | Democratic-Republican | 1824 | Robert B. McAfee | ||
| 10 | | Thomas Metcalfe(1780–1855) | August 26, 1828–August 28, 1832(term-limited) | NationalRepublican | 1828 | John Breathitt | ||
| 11 | | John Breathitt(1786–1834) | August 28, 1832–February 21, 1834(died in office) | Democratic | 1832 | James Turner Morehead | ||
| 12 | | James Turner Morehead(1797–1854) | February 21, 1834–August 30, 1836(did not run) | NationalRepublican | Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor | Vacant | ||
| 13 | | James Clark(1779–1839) | August 30, 1836–August 27, 1839(died in office) | Whig | 1836 | Charles A. Wickliffe | ||
| 14 | | Charles A. Wickliffe(1788–1869) | August 27, 1839–September 2, 1840(did not run) | Whig | Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor | Vacant | ||
| 15 | | Robert P. Letcher(1788–1861) | September 2, 1840–September 4, 1844(term-limited) | Whig | 1840 | Manlius Valerius Thomson | ||
| 16 | | William Owsley(1782–1862) | September 4, 1844–September 6, 1848(term-limited) | Whig | 1844 | Archibald Dixon | ||
| 17 | | John J. Crittenden(1787–1863) | September 6, 1848–July 30, 1850(resigned) | Whig | 1848 | John L. Helm | ||
| 18 | | John L. Helm(1802–1867) | July 30, 1850–September 2, 1851(did not run) | Whig | Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor | Vacant | ||
| 19 | | Lazarus W. Powell(1812–1867) | September 2, 1851–September 4, 1855(term-limited) | Democratic | 1851 | John Burton Thompson | ||
| 20 | | Charles S. Morehead(1802–1868) | September 4, 1855–August 30, 1859(term-limited) | American | 1855 | James Greene Hardy | ||
| 21 | | Beriah Magoffin(1815–1885) | August 30, 1859–August 18, 1862(resigned) | Democratic | 1859 | Linn Boyd(died December 17, 1859) | ||
| Vacant | ||||||||
| 22 | | James Fisher Robinson(1800–1882) | August 18, 1862–September 1, 1863(did not run) | Democratic | Succeeded frompresident ofthe Senate | |||
| 23 | | Thomas E. Bramlette(1817–1875) | September 1, 1863–September 3, 1867(term-limited) | UnionDemocratic | 1863 | Richard Taylor Jacob | ||
| 24 | | John L. Helm(1802–1867) | September 3, 1867–September 8, 1867(died in office) | Democratic | 1867 | John W. Stevenson | ||
| 25 | | John W. Stevenson(1812–1886) | September 8, 1867–February 13, 1871(resigned) | Democratic | Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor | Vacant | ||
| 1868(special) | ||||||||
| 26 | | Preston Leslie(1819–1907) | February 13, 1871–August 31, 1875(term-limited) | Democratic | Succeeded frompresident ofthe Senate | |||
| 1871 | John G. Carlisle | |||||||
| 27 | | James B. McCreary(1838–1918) | August 31, 1875–September 2, 1879(term-limited) | Democratic | 1875 | John C. Underwood | ||
| 28 | | Luke P. Blackburn(1816–1887) | September 2, 1879–September 4, 1883(term-limited) | Democratic | 1879 | James E. Cantrill | ||
| 29 | | J. Proctor Knott(1830–1911) | September 4, 1883–August 30, 1887(term-limited) | Democratic | 1883 | James R. Hindman | ||
| 30 | | Simon Bolivar Buckner(1823–1914) | August 30, 1887–September 1, 1891(term-limited) | Democratic | 1887 | James William Bryan | ||
| 31 | | John Y. Brown(1835–1904) | September 1, 1891–December 10, 1895(term-limited) | Democratic | 1891 | Mitchell Cary Alford | ||
| 32 | | William O'Connell Bradley(1847–1914) | December 10, 1895–December 12, 1899(term-limited) | Republican | 1895 | William Jackson Worthington | ||
| 33 | | William S. Taylor(1853–1928) | December 12, 1899–January 31, 1900(removed from office) | Republican | 1899 | John Marshall | ||
| 34 | | William Goebel(1856–1900) | January 31, 1900–February 3, 1900(died in office) | Democratic | J. C. W. Beckham | |||
| 35 | | J. C. W. Beckham(1869–1940) | February 3, 1900–December 10, 1907(term-limited) | Democratic | Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor | Vacant | ||
| 1900(special) | ||||||||
| 1903 | William P. Thorne | |||||||
| 36 | | Augustus E. Willson(1846–1931) | December 10, 1907–December 12, 1911(term-limited) | Republican | 1907 | William Hopkinson Cox | ||
| 37 | | James B. McCreary(1838–1918) | December 12, 1911–December 7, 1915(term-limited) | Democratic | 1911 | Edward J. McDermott | ||
| 38 | | Augustus Owsley Stanley(1867–1958) | December 7, 1915–May 19, 1919(resigned) | Democratic | 1915 | James D. Black | ||
| 39 | | James D. Black(1849–1938) | May 19, 1919–December 9, 1919(lost election) | Democratic | Succeeded fromlieutenantgovernor | Vacant | ||
| 40 | | Edwin P. Morrow(1877–1935) | December 9, 1919–December 11, 1923(term-limited) | Republican | 1919 | S. Thruston Ballard | ||
| 41 | | William J. Fields(1874–1954) | December 11, 1923–December 13, 1927(term-limited) | Democratic | 1923 | Henry Denhardt | ||
References
- The state labels Matt Bevin as the 62nd governor; based on this, subsequent terms of repeat governors are numbered.
- The office of lieutenant governor was created in 1799.
- Lieutenant governors represented the same party as their governor unless noted.
- Under the 1799 constitution, governors were ineligible for seven years after the end of their term.
- The constitutional start date would have been August 27; however, contemporary news indicates Madison succeeded Shelby o
- The constitutional start date would have been August 29; however, what little contemporary reporting that has been found
- Kallenbach labels Metcalfe both as a Whig and a National Republican; Glashan labels him a National Republican; and Dubin
- Represented the Democratic Party
- Represented the National Republican Party.
- Glashan labels Morehead a National Republican, and Sobel notes he succeeded to governor as a Whig, as the National Repub
- Crittenden resigned, having been confirmed as Attorney General of the United States.
- The 1850 constitution shifted the election schedule forward, shortening this term by a year.
- Helm was sworn in on July 31, but contemporary sources say Crittenden resigned on July 30.
- Under the 1850 constitution, governors were ineligible for four years after the end of their term.
- Represented the Whig Party.
- Magoffin resigned due to disagreement with the state legislature over neutrality in the American Civil War.
- Stevenson resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.
- Taylor won the 1899 election and was sworn into office. However, the legislature challenged the validity of his win, cla
- Stanley resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.
- Chandler resigned so that his successor would appoint him to the United States Senate.
- Clements resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.
- Ford resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.
- Under a 1992 amendment to the constitution, governors are ineligible for four years after the end of their second consec
- Beshear's second term began on December 12, 2023, and will expire on December 7, 2027; he will be term-limited.
- KY Const. § 69.
- KY Const. § 75.
- KY Const. § 81
- KY Const. § 88.
- KY Const. § 80.
- KY Const. § 77.
- The Kentucky Encyclopedia
- The Kentucky Encyclopedia
- 1799 Const. art. II, § 2–3
- 1799 Const. art. III, § 3–5
- 1850 Const. art. III, § 3–5
- KY Const. § 71
- 1792 Const. art. III, § 16–18
- 1799 Const. art. III, § 16–18
- KY Const. § 70
- "Governor Matt Bevin"https://governor.ky.gov/about/governor-matt-bevin/
- 1799 Const. art. II, § 15
- Sobel 1978, pp. 507–508.
- "Isaac Shelby"https://www.nga.org/governor/isaac-shelby/
- Aurora General Advertiserhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/aurora-general-advertiser-shelby-inaugur/130452582/
- Kallenbach 1977, pp. 205–208.
- Sobel 1978, pp. 508–509.
- "James Garrard"https://www.nga.org/governor/james-garrard/
- Lancaster Intelligencerhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/lancaster-intelligencer-garrard-inaugura/130453283/
- www.stateconstitutions.umd.eduhttp://www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu/Search/results.aspx?srch=1&state=%27KY%27&CID=121&art=3&sec=3&amd=&key=&Yr=
- Sobel 1978, p. 509.
- "Christopher Greenup"https://www.nga.org/governor/christopher-greenup/
- Sobel 1978, p. 510.
- "Charles Scott"https://www.nga.org/governor/charles-scott/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 510–511.
- "George Madison"https://www.nga.org/governor/george-madison/
- Kentucky Gazettehttps://www.newspapers.com/article/kentucky-gazette-madison-inaugurated-sep/130477813/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 511–512.
- "Gabriel Slaughter"https://www.nga.org/governor/gabriel-slaughter/
- The Argus of Western Americahttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-argus-of-western-america-slaughter-s/130478269/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 512–513.
- "John Adair"https://www.nga.org/governor/john-adair/
- The Evening Posthttps://www.newspapers.com/article/119966863/adair-elected/
- Gettysburg Compilerhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/gettysburg-compiler-adair-inaugurated-se/130478523/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 513–514.
- "Joseph Desha"https://www.nga.org/governor/joseph-desha/
- The Charleston Daily Courierhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charleston-daily-courier-desha-inaug/130489056/
- Sobel 1978, p. 514.
- "Thomas Metcalfe"https://www.nga.org/governor/thomas-metcalfe/
- Anti-Jackson Bulletin and Messenger of Truthhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/anti-jackson-bulletin-and-messenger-of-t/130489305/
- Kallenbach 1977, p. 206.
- Kallenbach 1977, p. 209.
- Glashan 1979, p. 108.
- Dubin 2003, p. 1828.
- Sobel 1978, p. 515.
- "John Breathitt"https://www.nga.org/governor/john-breathitt/
- Dubin 2003, p. 29.
- Sobel 1978, pp. 515–516.
- "James Turner Morehead"https://www.nga.org/governor/james-turner-morehead/
- The Pittsburgh Gazettehttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-gazette-morehead-succeeds/130489733/
- Glashan 1979, p. 104.
- Sobel 1978, pp. 516–517.
- "James Clark"https://www.nga.org/governor/james-clark/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-clark-inaugurated-au/130489915/
- Dubin 2003, p. 74.
- Sobel 1978, pp. 517–518.
- "Charles Anderson Wickliffe"https://www.nga.org/governor/charles-anderson-wickliffe/
- Kentucky Gazettehttps://www.newspapers.com/article/kentucky-gazette-wickliffe-succeeds-clar/130490087/
- Sobel 1978, p. 518.
- "Robert Perkins Letcher"https://www.nga.org/governor/robert-perkins-letcher/
- The Native Americanhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-native-american-letcher-inaugurated/130490358/
- Dubin 2003, p. 75.
- Sobel 1978, p. 519.
- "William Owsley"https://www.nga.org/governor/william-owsley/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-owsley-inaugurated-s/130507179/
- Dubin 2003, p. 76.
- Sobel 1978, pp. 519–520.
- "John Jordan Crittenden"https://www.nga.org/governor/john-jordan-crittenden/
- The Louisville Daily Courierhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-louisville-daily-courier-crittenden/130669943/
- Dubin 2003, p. 77.
- Sobel 1978, pp. 520–521.
- "John Larue Helm"https://www.nga.org/governor/john-larue-helm/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-helm-succeeds-critte/130670250/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 521–522.
- "Lazarus Whitehead Powell"https://www.nga.org/governor/lazarus-whitehead-powell/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal/60232165/
- www.stateconstitutions.umd.eduhttp://www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu/Search/results.aspx?srch=1&state=%27KY%27&CID=122&art=3&sec=3&amd=&key=&Yr=
- Sobel 1978, pp. 522–523.
- "Charles Slaughter Morehead"https://www.nga.org/governor/charles-slaughter-morehead/
- The Louisville Daily Courierhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-louisville-daily-courier-inauguratio/46533471/
- Dubin 2003, p. 78.
- Sobel 1978, pp. 523–524.
- "Beriah Magoffin"https://www.nga.org/governor/beriah-magoffin/
- The Louisville Daily Courierhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-louisville-daily-courier/60230590/
- Dubin 2003, p. 79.
- Sobel 1978, pp. 524–525.
- "James Fisher Robinson"https://www.nga.org/governor/james-fisher-robinson/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-robinson-succeeds-ma/130670398/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 525–526.
- "Thomas Elliott Bramlette"https://www.nga.org/governor/thomas-elliott-bramlette/
- Maysville Weekly Bulletinhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/maysville-weekly-bulletin/29598663/
- The Owensboro Monitorhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-owensboro-monitor-helm-inaugurated-s/130670501/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 526–527.
- "John White Stevenson"https://www.nga.org/governor/john-white-stevenson/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-stevenson-succeeds-h/130670541/
- Sobel 1978, p. 527.
- "Preston Hopkins Leslie"https://www.nga.org/governor/preston-hopkins-leslie/
- Kentucky Advocatehttps://www.newspapers.com/article/kentucky-advocate-leslie-succeeds-steven/130670631/
- Sobel 1978, p. 528.
- "James Bennett McCreary"https://www.nga.org/governor/james-bennett-mccreary/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal/10374906/
- Sobel 1978, p. 529.
- "Luke Pryor Blackburn"https://www.nga.org/governor/luke-pryor-blackburn/
- Interior Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/interior-journal-blackburn-inaugurated-s/130670668/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 529–530.
- "James Proctor Knott"https://www.nga.org/governor/james-proctor-knott/
- Kentucky Advocatehttps://www.newspapers.com/article/kentucky-advocate-knott-inaugurated-sept/130670694/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 530–531.
- "Simon Bolivar Buckner"https://www.nga.org/governor/simon-bolivar-buckner/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-buckner-inaugurated/130670721/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 531–532.
- "John Young Brown Sr"https://www.nga.org/governor/john-young-brown-sr/
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-brown-inaugurate/130670757/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 532–533.
- "William O. Bradley"https://www.nga.org/governor/william-o-bradley/
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-bradley-inaugura/130670800/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 533–534.
- "William Sylvester Taylor"https://www.nga.org/governor/william-sylvester-taylor/
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-taylor-inaugurat/130724174/
- Sobel 1978, p. 534.
- "William Goebel"https://www.nga.org/governor/william-goebel/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-goebel-inaugurated-j/130724286/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 535–536.
- "John Crepps Wickliffe Beckham"https://www.nga.org/governor/john-crepps-wickliffe-beckham/
- Lexington Herald-Leaderhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-beckham-succeeds/130724324/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 536–537.
- "Augustus Everett Willson"https://www.nga.org/governor/augustus-everett-willson/
- The Lexington Heraldhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lexington-herald-willson-inaugurated/130724363/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-mccreary-inaugurated/130724405/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 537–538.
- "Augustus Owsley Stanley"https://www.nga.org/governor/augustus-owsley-stanley/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-stanley-inaugurated/130724439/
- Sobel 1978, p. 538.
- "James Dixon Black"https://www.nga.org/governor/james-dixon-black/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-black-succeeds-stanl/130724478/
- Sobel 1978, p. 539.
- "Edwin Porch Morrow"https://www.nga.org/governor/edwin-porch-morrow/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-morrow-inaugurated-d/130724507/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 539–540.
- "William Jason Fields"https://www.nga.org/governor/william-jason-fields/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-fields-as-governor/30573451/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 540–541.
- "Flem Davis Sampson"https://www.nga.org/governor/flem-davis-sampson/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-sampson-inaugurated/130724590/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 541–542.
- "Ruby Laffoon"https://www.nga.org/governor/ruby-laffoon/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-laffoon-inaugurated/130724630/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 542–543.
- "Albert Benjamin Chandler"https://www.nga.org/governor/albert-benjamin-chandler/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-chandler-inaugurated/130724662/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 543–544.
- "Keen Johnson"https://www.nga.org/governor/keen-johnson/
- The Lexington Heraldhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lexington-herald-johnson-succeeds-ch/130724713/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 544–545.
- "Simeon Slavens Willis"https://www.nga.org/governor/simeon-slavens-willis/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-willis-inaugurated-d/130724747/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 545–546.
- "Earle Chester Clements"https://www.nga.org/governor/earle-chester-clements/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-clements-inaugurated/130724768/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 546–547.
- "Lawrence Winchester Wetherby"https://www.nga.org/governor/lawrence-winchester-wetherby/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-wetherby-succeeds-cl/130724795/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-chandler-inaugurated/130724828/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 547–548.
- "Bert Thomas Combs"https://www.nga.org/governor/bert-thomas-combs/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-combs-inaugurated-de/130724882/
- Sobel 1978, p. 548.
- "Edward Thompson Breathitt"https://www.nga.org/governor/edward-thompson-breathitt/
- The Lexington Heraldhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lexington-herald-breathitt-inaugurat/130724931/
- Sobel 1978, pp. 549–550.
- "Louie Broady Nunn"https://www.nga.org/governor/louie-broady-nunn/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-nunn-inaugurated-dec/130724967/
- Sobel 1978, p. 550.
- "Wendell Hampton Ford"https://www.nga.org/governor/wendell-hampton-ford/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-ford-inaugurated-dec/130725002/
- Sobel 1978, p. 551.
- "Julian Morton Carroll"https://www.nga.org/governor/julian-morton-carroll/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-carroll-succeeds-for/130725044/
- "John Y. Brown Jr"https://www.nga.org/governor/john-y-brown-jr/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-brown-inaugurated-de/130725061/
- "Martha Layne Collins"https://www.nga.org/governor/martha-layne-collins/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-collins-inaugurated/130725089/
- "Wallace G. Wilkinson"https://www.nga.org/governor/wallace-g-wilkinson/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-wilkinson-inaugurate/130725122/
- "Brereton C. Jones"https://www.nga.org/governor/brereton-c-jones/
- The Paducah Sunhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-paducah-sun-jones-inaugurated-decemb/130725167/
- www.stateconstitutions.umd.eduhttp://www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu/Search/results.aspx?srch=1&state=%27KY%27&CID=123&art=&sec=71&amd=&key=&Yr=
- "Paul E. Patton"https://www.nga.org/governor/paul-e-patton/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-patton-inaugurated-d/130725215/
- "Ernie Fletcher"https://www.nga.org/governor/ernie-fletcher/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-fletcher-inaugurated/130725259/
- "Steven L. Beshear"https://www.nga.org/governor/steven-l-beshear/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-beshear-inaugurated/130725306/
- "Matt Bevin"https://www.nga.org/governor/matt-bevin/
- The Courier-Journalhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-bevin-inaugurated-de/130725336/
- "Andy Beshear"https://www.nga.org/governor/gov-andy-beshear/
- Messenger-Inquirerhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/messenger-inquirer-beshear-inaugurated-d/130725361/
- Associated Presshttps://apnews.com/article/kentucky-governor-andy-beshear-inauguration-d5c0ed8df6aefbb6b122b4f9727f5e4a
- The Kentucky Encyclopedia