List of Governors of Kentucky

List Of Governors Of Kentucky

The Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the head of the executive branch of Kentucky's government, and serves as commander-in-chief of the state's militia forces. The governor has a duty to enforce state laws; the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Kentucky Legislature; the power to convene the legislature; and the power to grant pardons, except in cases of treason and impeachment. He or she 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-seven individuals have held the office of governor. Prior to a 1992 amendment to the state's constitution, the governor was prohibited from succeeding himself in office, though four men (Isaac Shelby, John L. Helm, James B. McCreary, and A. B. "Happy" Chandler) served multiple non-consecutive terms. Paul E. Patton, the first 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.

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. 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.

Steve Beshear is the 61st and current governor, having served since December 11, 2007. He defeated incumbent Governor Ernie Fletcher in the 2007 gubernatorial election and won re-election in 2011, defeating state Senate President David L. Williams.