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List of governors of Kentucky

{{Short description|None}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}

The governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the head of government of Kentucky,KY Const. § 69. and serves as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces.KY Const. § 75. The governor has a duty to enforce state laws;KY Const. § 81 the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Kentucky General Assembly;KY Const. § 88. the power to convene the legislature;KY Const. § 80. and the power to grant pardons, except in cases of treason and impeachment.KY Const. § 77. 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.{{Cite encyclopedia |year=1992 |title=Governor, Office of |encyclopedia=The Kentucky Encyclopedia |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |location=Lexington |editor-last=Kleber |editor-first=John E. |isbn=0-8131-1772-0}}

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.{{Cite encyclopedia |year=1992 |title=Goebel Assassination |encyclopedia=The Kentucky Encyclopedia |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |location=Lexington |editor-last=Kleber |editor-first=John E. |isbn=0-8131-1772-0}} 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.

Governors

Kentucky County, Virginia was admitted to the Union as Kentucky on June 1, 1792. There have been 59 governors, serving 63 distinct terms.

An unelected group proclaimed Kentucky's secession from the Union on November 20, 1861, and it was annexed by the Confederate States of America on December 10, 1861. The Confederate government elected two governors, but it never held much control over the state.

The original 1792 Kentucky Constitution had the governor chosen by an electoral college for a term of four years, commencing on the first day of June.1799 Const. art. II, § 2–3 The second constitution in 1799 changed this to a popular vote, prevented governors from succeeding themselves within seven years of their terms, and moved the start date to the fourth Tuesday after the election.1799 Const. art. III, § 3–5 The third constitution in 1850 reduced the succession limitation to four years, and moved the start date of the term to the fifth Tuesday after the election.1850 Const. art. III, § 3–5 A 1992 amendment allowed governors to have a second term before being prevented from succeeding themselves for four years.KY Const. § 71 Originally, should the office of governor be vacant, the speaker of the Senate would exercise the powers of the office;1792 Const. art. III, § 16–18 in 1799, the office of lieutenant governor was created to fill this role,1799 Const. art. III, § 16–18 and, as of 1992, is elected on the same ticket as the governor.KY Const. § 70

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class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible sticky-header-multi" style="text-align:center;"

|+ Governors of the Commonwealth of Kentucky

!scope="col" data-sort-type="number"|{{abbr|No.|Number}}{{efn|The state labels Matt Bevin as the 62nd governor;{{Cite web |title=Governor Matt Bevin |url=https://governor.ky.gov/about/governor-matt-bevin/ |access-date=November 19, 2018 |publisher=Governor of Kentucky}} based on this, subsequent terms of repeat governors are numbered.}}

!scope="colgroup" colspan="3"|Governor

!scope="col"|Term in office

!scope="col"|Party

!scope="col"|Election

!scope="colgroup" colspan="2"|Lt. Governor{{efn|The office of lieutenant governor was created in 1799.1799 Const. art. II, § 15}}{{efn|Lieutenant governors represented the same party as their governor unless noted.}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|1

|data-sort-value="Shelby, Isaac"|75px

|rowspan="12" style="background: {{party color|Democratic-Republican Party (United States)}};"| 

|Isaac Shelby
{{Small|(1750–1826)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=507–508}}{{Cite web |title=Isaac Shelby |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/isaac-shelby/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|June 4, 1792}}{{Cite news |date=1792-06-30 |title=Carlisle, June 20 |page=3 |work=Aurora General Advertiser |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/aurora-general-advertiser-shelby-inaugur/130452582/ |access-date=2023-08-22}}
–
June 1, 1796
{{small|(did not run)}}{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=507–508}}

|Democratic-
Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1792

|colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Office did not exist

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|2

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Garrard, James"|75px

|rowspan="2"|James Garrard
{{Small|(1749–1822)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=508–509}}{{Cite web |title=James Garrard |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/james-garrard/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|June 1, 1796}}{{Cite news |date=1796-07-22 |title=Garrard inaugurated June 1 (Other sources make it clear "1st inst." refers to June, not July) |page=3 |work=Lancaster Intelligencer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lancaster-intelligencer-garrard-inaugura/130453283/ |access-date=2023-08-22}}
–
September 5, 1804
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|Under the 1799 constitution, governors were ineligible for seven years after the end of their term.{{Cite web |title=1799 Ky. Const. art. III, § 3 |url=http://www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu/Search/results.aspx?srch=1&state=%27KY%27&CID=121&art=3&sec=3&amd=&key=&Yr= |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu}}|name=limits-1799}}

|rowspan="2"|Democratic-
Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1796

style="height:2em;"

|1800

|rowspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Democratic-Republican Party (United States)}};"| 

|{{sortname|Alexander Scott|Bullitt}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="3" scope="rowgroup"|3

|rowspan="3" data-sort-value="Greenup, Christopher"|75px

|rowspan="3"|Christopher Greenup
{{Small|(1750–1818)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=509}}{{Cite web |title=Christopher Greenup |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/christopher-greenup/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="3"|{{dts|September 5, 1804}}{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}
–
August 23, 1808
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1799}}

|rowspan="3"|Democratic-
Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|rowspan="3"|1804

|{{sortname|John|Caldwell|dab=Kentucky politician}}
{{small|(died November 19, 1804)}}

style="height:2em;"

|colspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

|rowspan="4" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic-Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Thomas|Posey}}
{{small|(acting, elected Speaker in 1805)}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|4

|data-sort-value="Scott, Charles"|75px

|Charles Scott
{{Small|(1739–1813)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=510}}{{Cite web |title=Charles Scott |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/charles-scott/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|August 23, 1808}}{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}
–
August 24, 1812
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1799}}

|Democratic-
Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1808

|{{sortname|Gabriel|Slaughter}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|5

|data-sort-value="Shelby, Isaac"|75px

|Isaac Shelby
{{Small|(1750–1826)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=507–508}}

|{{dts|August 24, 1812}}{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}
–
September 5, 1816
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1799}}

|Democratic-
Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1812

|{{sortname|Richard|Hickman}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|6

|data-sort-value="Madison, George"|75px

|George Madison
{{Small|(1763–1816)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=510–511}}{{Cite web |title=George Madison |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/george-madison/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|September 5, 1816}}{{efn|The constitutional start date would have been August 27;{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}} however, contemporary news indicates Madison succeeded Shelby on September 5.{{Cite news |date=1816-09-09 |title=Governor Madison |page=3 |work=Kentucky Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kentucky-gazette-madison-inaugurated-sep/130477813/ |access-date=2023-08-22}}}}
–
October 14, 1816
{{small|(died in office)}}

|Democratic-
Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1816

|{{sortname|Gabriel|Slaughter}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|7

|data-sort-value="Slaughter, Gabriel"|75px

|Gabriel Slaughter
{{Small|(1767–1830)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=511–512}}{{Cite web |title=Gabriel Slaughter |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/gabriel-slaughter/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|October 14, 1816}}{{Cite news |date=1828-09-03 |title=Oaths of the Governor |page=2 |work=The Argus of Western America |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-argus-of-western-america-slaughter-s/130478269/ |access-date=2023-08-22}}
–
September 7, 1820
{{small|(did not run)}}

|Democratic-
Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|colspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|8

|data-sort-value="Adair, John"|75px

|John Adair
{{Small|(1757–1840)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=512–513}}{{Cite web |title=John Adair |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-adair/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|September 7, 1820}}{{efn|The constitutional start date would have been August 29;{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}} however, what little contemporary reporting that has been found says he was inaugurated on September 7.{{Cite news |date=1820-09-13 |title=none | quote=Gen. John Adair, is elected Governor, and William F. Barry, Lieutenant Governor, of the state of Kentucky, and entered upon the duties of their office on the 7th inst. |page=2 |work=The Evening Post |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/119966863/adair-elected/ |access-date=2023-03-01}}{{Cite news |date=1820-10-11 |title=Kentucky Election |page=1 |work=Gettysburg Compiler |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/gettysburg-compiler-adair-inaugurated-se/130478523/ |access-date=2023-08-22}}}}
–
August 24, 1824
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1799}}

|Democratic-
Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1820

|rowspan="2" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic-Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|William T.|Barry}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|9

|data-sort-value="Desha, Joseph"|75px

|Joseph Desha
{{Small|(1768–1842)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=513–514}}{{Cite web |title=Joseph Desha |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/joseph-desha/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|August 24, 1824}}{{Cite news |date=1824-09-17 |title=Kentucky |page=2 |work=The Charleston Daily Courier |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charleston-daily-courier-desha-inaug/130489056/ |access-date=2023-08-23}}
–
August 26, 1828
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1799}}

|Democratic-
Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1824

|{{sortname|Robert B.|McAfee}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|10

|data-sort-value="Metcalfe, Thomas"|75px

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|National Republican Party}};"|

|Thomas Metcalfe
{{Small|(1780–1855)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=514}}{{Cite web |title=Thomas Metcalfe |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/thomas-metcalfe/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|August 26, 1828}}{{Cite news |date=1828-08-30 |title=The Inauguration |page=3 |work=Anti-Jackson Bulletin and Messenger of Truth |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/anti-jackson-bulletin-and-messenger-of-t/130489305/ |access-date=2023-08-23}}
–
August 28, 1832
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1799}}

|National
Republican{{efn|Kallenbach labels Metcalfe both as a Whig{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|p=206}} and a National Republican;{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|p=209}} Glashan labels him a National Republican;{{sfn|Glashan|1979|p=108}} and Dubin{{sfn|Dubin|2003|p=1828}} and Sobel{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=514}} describe him as a pro-Adams Administration candidate.}}

|1828

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|John|Breathitt}}{{efn|name=ltdem|Represented the Democratic Party}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|11

|data-sort-value="Breathitt, John"|75px

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|John Breathitt
{{Small|(1786–1834)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=515}}{{Cite web |title=John Breathitt |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-breathitt/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|August 28, 1832}}{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}
–
February 21, 1834
{{small|(died in office)}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Dubin|2003|p=29}}

|1832

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|National Republican Party}};"|

|{{sortname|James Turner|Morehead|dab=Kentucky politician}}{{efn|Represented the National Republican Party.}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|12

|data-sort-value="Morehead, James"|75px

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|National Republican Party}};"|

|James Turner Morehead
{{Small|(1797–1854)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=515–516}}{{Cite web |title=James Turner Morehead |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/james-turner-morehead/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|February 21, 1834}}{{Cite news |date=1834-03-05 |title=Death of Gov. Breathitt |page=2 |work=The Pittsburgh Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-gazette-morehead-succeeds/130489733/ |access-date=2023-08-23}}
–
August 30, 1836
{{small|(did not run)}}{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=515–516}}

|National
Republican{{efn|Glashan labels Morehead a National Republican,{{sfn|Glashan|1979|p=104}} and Sobel notes he succeeded to governor as a Whig,{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=515–516}} as the National Republicans had transitioned into the Whig Party in 1834.}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|colspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|13

|data-sort-value="Clark, James"|75px

|rowspan="6" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Whig Party (United States)}};"|

|James Clark
{{Small|(1779–1839)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=516–517}}{{Cite web |title=James Clark |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/james-clark/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|August 30, 1836}}{{Cite news |date=1836-09-03 |title=Governor Clark |page=2 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-clark-inaugurated-au/130489915/ |access-date=2023-08-23}}
–
August 27, 1839
{{small|(died in office)}}

|Whig{{sfn|Dubin|2003|p=74}}

|1836

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Whig Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Charles A.|Wickliffe}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|14

|data-sort-value="Wickliffe, Charles"|75px

|Charles A. Wickliffe
{{Small|(1788–1869)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=517–518}}{{Cite web |title=Charles Anderson Wickliffe |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/charles-anderson-wickliffe/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|August 27, 1839}}{{Cite news |date=1839-08-29 |title=Death of the Governor of Kentucky |page=2 |work=Kentucky Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kentucky-gazette-wickliffe-succeeds-clar/130490087/ |access-date=2023-08-23}}
–
September 2, 1840
{{small|(did not run)}}

|Whig{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=517–518}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|colspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|15

|data-sort-value="Letcher, Robert"|75px

|Robert P. Letcher
{{Small|(1788–1861)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=518}}{{Cite web |title=Robert Perkins Letcher |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/robert-perkins-letcher/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|September 2, 1840}}{{Cite news |date=1840-09-19 |title=New of the Week |page=3 |work=The Native American |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-native-american-letcher-inaugurated/130490358/ |access-date=2023-08-23}}
–
September 4, 1844
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1799}}

|Whig{{sfn|Dubin|2003|p=75}}

|1840

|rowspan="3" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Whig Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Manlius Valerius|Thomson}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|16

|data-sort-value="Owsley, William"|75px

|William Owsley
{{Small|(1782–1862)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=519}}{{Cite web |title=William Owsley |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-owsley/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|September 4, 1844}}{{Cite news |date=1844-09-07 |title=none | quote=The Hon. Wm. Owsley took the usual oath of office at Frankfort on Wednesday, and is now Governor of this State. |page=3 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-owsley-inaugurated-s/130507179/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
September 6, 1848
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1799}}

|Whig{{sfn|Dubin|2003|p=76}}

|1844

|{{sortname|Archibald|Dixon}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|17

|data-sort-value="Crittenden, John"|75px

|John J. Crittenden
{{Small|(1787–1863)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=519–520}}{{Cite web |title=John Jordan Crittenden |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-jordan-crittenden/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|September 6, 1848}}{{Cite news |date=1848-09-09 |title=Inauguration Day |page=3 |work=The Louisville Daily Courier |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-louisville-daily-courier-crittenden/130669943/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
July 30, 1850
{{small|(resigned)}}{{efn|Crittenden resigned, having been confirmed as Attorney General of the United States.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=519–520}}}}

|Whig{{sfn|Dubin|2003|p=77}}

|1848{{efn|The 1850 constitution shifted the election schedule forward, shortening this term by a year.}}

|{{sortname|John L.|Helm}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|18

|data-sort-value="Helm, John"|75px

|John L. Helm
{{Small|(1802–1867)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=520–521}}{{Cite web |title=John Larue Helm |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-larue-helm/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|July 30, 1850}}{{efn|Helm was sworn in on July 31, but contemporary sources say Crittenden resigned on July 30.{{Cite news |date=1850-07-31 |title=Resignation of Governor Crittenden |page=3 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-helm-succeeds-critte/130670250/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}}}
–
September 2, 1851
{{small|(did not run)}}

|Whig{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=520–521}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|colspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|19

|data-sort-value="Powell, Lazarus"|75px

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|Lazarus W. Powell
{{Small|(1812–1867)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=521–522}}{{Cite web |title=Lazarus Whitehead Powell |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/lazarus-whitehead-powell/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|September 2, 1851}}{{Cite news |date=1851-09-03 |title=Inauguration of the Governor and Lieut. Governor |page=3 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal/60232165/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
September 4, 1855
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|Under the 1850 constitution, governors were ineligible for four years after the end of their term.{{Cite web |title=1850 Ky. Const. art. III, § 3 |url=http://www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu/Search/results.aspx?srch=1&state=%27KY%27&CID=122&art=3&sec=3&amd=&key=&Yr= |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu}}|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Dubin|2003|p=77}}

|1851

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Whig Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|John Burton|Thompson}}{{efn|Represented the Whig Party.}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|20

|data-sort-value="Morehead, Charles"|75px

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Know Nothing}};"|

|Charles S. Morehead
{{Small|(1802–1868)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=522–523}}{{Cite web |title=Charles Slaughter Morehead |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/charles-slaughter-morehead/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|September 4, 1855}}{{Cite news |date=1855-09-06 |title=The Inauguration Ceremonies |page=1 |work=The Louisville Daily Courier |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-louisville-daily-courier-inauguratio/46533471/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
August 30, 1859
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|American{{sfn|Dubin|2003|p=78}}

|1855

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Know Nothing}};"|

|{{sortname|James Greene|Hardy}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|21

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Magoffin, Beriah"|75px

|rowspan="3" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|rowspan="2"|Beriah Magoffin
{{Small|(1815–1885)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=523–524}}{{Cite web |title=Beriah Magoffin |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/beriah-magoffin/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|August 30, 1859}}{{Cite news |date=1859-08-31 |title=The Inauguration of Magoffin |page=2 |work=The Louisville Daily Courier |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-louisville-daily-courier/60230590/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
August 18, 1862
{{small|(resigned)}}{{efn|Magoffin resigned due to disagreement with the state legislature over neutrality in the American Civil War.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=523–524}}}}

|rowspan="2"|Democratic{{sfn|Dubin|2003|p=79}}

|rowspan="2"|1859

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Linn|Boyd}}
{{small|(died December 17, 1859)}}

style="height:2em;"

|colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|22

|data-sort-value="Robinson, James"|75px

|James Fisher Robinson
{{Small|(1800–1882)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=524–525}}{{Cite web |title=James Fisher Robinson |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/james-fisher-robinson/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|August 18, 1862}}{{Cite news |date=1862-08-19 |title=Kentucky Legislature |page=3 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-robinson-succeeds-ma/130670398/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
September 1, 1863
{{small|(did not run)}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|Succeeded from
president of
the Senate}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|23

|data-sort-value="Bramlette, Thomas"|75px

|rowspan="1" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Unionist politician (American Civil War)}};"|

|Thomas E. Bramlette
{{Small|(1817–1875)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=525–526}}{{Cite web |title=Thomas Elliott Bramlette |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/thomas-elliott-bramlette/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|September 1, 1863}}{{Cite news |date=1863-09-03 |title=The Inauguration of Gov. Bramlette |page=3 |work=Maysville Weekly Bulletin |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/maysville-weekly-bulletin/29598663/ |access-date=2023-09-27}}
–
September 3, 1867
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Union
Democratic{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=525–526}}

|1863

|rowspan="1" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Unionist politician (American Civil War)}};"|

|{{sortname|Richard Taylor|Jacob}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|24

|data-sort-value="Helm, John"|75px

|rowspan="10" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|John L. Helm
{{Small|(1802–1867)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=520–521}}

|{{dts|September 3, 1867}}{{Cite news |date=1867-09-04 |title=Inauguration of Gov. Helm |page=2 |work=The Owensboro Monitor |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-owensboro-monitor-helm-inaugurated-s/130670501/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
September 8, 1867
{{small|(died in office)}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1867

|rowspan="1" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|John W.|Stevenson}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|25

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Stevenson, John"|75px

|rowspan="2"|John W. Stevenson
{{Small|(1812–1886)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=526–527}}{{Cite web |title=John White Stevenson |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-white-stevenson/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|September 8, 1867}}{{Cite news |date=1867-09-09 |title=The Death of Governor Helm |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-stevenson-succeeds-h/130670541/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
February 13, 1871
{{small|(resigned)}}{{efn|Stevenson resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=526–527}}}}

|rowspan="2"|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|rowspan="3" colspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

|1868
{{small|(special)}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|26

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Leslie, Preston"|75px

|rowspan="2"|Preston Leslie
{{Small|(1819–1907)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=527}}{{Cite web |title=Preston Hopkins Leslie |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/preston-hopkins-leslie/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|February 13, 1871}}{{Cite news |date=1871-02-17 |title=Kentucky Legislature |page=2 |work=Kentucky Advocate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kentucky-advocate-leslie-succeeds-steven/130670631/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
August 31, 1875
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|rowspan="2"|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|Succeeded from
president of
the Senate}}

style="height:2em;"

|1871

|rowspan="6" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|John G.|Carlisle}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|27

|data-sort-value="McCreary, James"|75px

|James B. McCreary
{{Small|(1838–1918)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=528}}{{Cite web |title=James Bennett McCreary |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/james-bennett-mccreary/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|August 31, 1875}}{{Cite news |date=1875-09-01 |title=none | quote=The inauguration of Hon. James B. McCreary, Governor elect of Kentucky, at the capital yesterday... |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal/10374906/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
September 2, 1879
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1875

|{{sortname|John C.|Underwood}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|28

|data-sort-value="Blackburn, Luke"|75px

|Luke P. Blackburn
{{Small|(1816–1887)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=529}}{{Cite web |title=Luke Pryor Blackburn |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/luke-pryor-blackburn/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|September 2, 1879}}{{Cite news |date=1879-09-05 |title=The Inauguration |page=2 |work=Interior Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/interior-journal-blackburn-inaugurated-s/130670668/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
September 4, 1883
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1879

|{{sortname|James E.|Cantrill}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|29

|data-sort-value="Knott, J. Proctor"|75px

|J. Proctor Knott
{{Small|(1830–1911)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=529–530}}{{Cite web |title=James Proctor Knott |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/james-proctor-knott/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|September 4, 1883}}{{Cite news |date=1883-09-07 |title=Kentucky's New Governor |page=1 |work=Kentucky Advocate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kentucky-advocate-knott-inaugurated-sept/130670694/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
August 30, 1887
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1883

|{{sortname|James R.|Hindman}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|30

|data-sort-value="Buckner, Simon"|75px

|Simon Bolivar Buckner
{{Small|(1823–1914)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=530–531}}{{Cite web |title=Simon Bolivar Buckner |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/simon-bolivar-buckner/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|August 30, 1887}}{{Cite news |date=1887-08-31 |title=Gov. Buckner |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-buckner-inaugurated/130670721/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
September 1, 1891
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1887

|{{sortname|James William|Bryan}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|31

|data-sort-value="Brown, John 1"|75px

|John Y. Brown
{{Small|(1835–1904)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=531–532}}{{Cite web |title=John Young Brown Sr. |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-young-brown-sr/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|September 1, 1891}}{{Cite news |date=1891-09-01 |title=The New Rung In, the Old Rung Out at Frankfort |page=1 |work=Lexington Herald-Leader |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-brown-inaugurate/130670757/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
December 10, 1895
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1891

|{{sortname|Mitchell Cary|Alford}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|32

|data-sort-value="Bradley, William"|75px

|rowspan="2" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|William O'Connell Bradley
{{Small|(1847–1914)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=532–533}}{{Cite web |title=William O. Bradley |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-o-bradley/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 10, 1895}}{{Cite news |date=1895-12-10 |title=Gov. W. O. Bradley |page=1 |work=Lexington Herald-Leader |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-bradley-inaugura/130670800/ |access-date=2023-08-26}}
–
December 12, 1899
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1895

|rowspan="2" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|William Jackson|Worthington}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|33

|data-sort-value="Taylor, William"|75px

|William S. Taylor
{{Small|(1853–1928)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=533–534}}{{Cite web |title=William Sylvester Taylor |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-sylvester-taylor/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 12, 1899}}{{Cite news |date=1899-12-12 |title=Wm. Sylvester Taylor, Governor of Kentucky |page=1 |work=Lexington Herald-Leader |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-taylor-inaugurat/130724174/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
January 31, 1900
{{small|(removed from office)}}{{efn|Taylor won the 1899 election and was sworn into office. However, the legislature challenged the validity of his win, claiming ballot fraud. His challenger, Goebel, was shot on January 30, 1900, but was named governor by the legislature and sworn in the next day; he died three days later. Since Lieutenant Governor Marshall's win had also been invalidated, Beckham, having been named lieutenant governor, succeeded Goebel.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=533–534}}{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=534}}|name=elect-1899}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|rowspan="2"|1899{{efn|name=elect-1899}}

|{{sortname|John|Marshall|dab=Kentucky politician}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|34

|data-sort-value="Goebel, William"|75px

|rowspan="4" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|William Goebel
{{Small|(1856–1900)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=534}}{{Cite web |title=William Goebel |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-goebel/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|January 31, 1900}}{{Cite news |date=1900-02-01 |title=Solemn Scene Was the Inauguration of William Goebel As Governor |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-goebel-inaugurated-j/130724286/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
February 3, 1900
{{small|(died in office)}}{{efn|name=elect-1899}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|J. C. W.|Beckham}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="3" scope="rowgroup"|35

|rowspan="3" data-sort-value="Beckham, J. C. W."|75px

|rowspan="3"|J. C. W. Beckham
{{Small|(1869–1940)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=535–536}}{{Cite web |title=John Crepps Wickliffe Beckham |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-crepps-wickliffe-beckham/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="3"|{{dts|February 3, 1900}}{{Cite news |date=1900-02-04 |title=Beckham Sworn In |page=1 |work=Lexington Herald-Leader |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-beckham-succeeds/130724324/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 10, 1907
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|rowspan="3"|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}{{efn|name=elect-1899}}

|colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

|1900
{{small|(special)}}

style="height:2em;"

|1903

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|William P.|Thorne}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|36

|data-sort-value="Willson, Augustus"|75px

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|Augustus E. Willson
{{Small|(1846–1931)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=536–537}}{{Cite web |title=Augustus Everett Willson |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/augustus-everett-willson/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 10, 1907}}{{Cite news |date=1907-12-11 |title=Willson Sworn In and Declares He Will Uphold Law |page=1 |work=The Lexington Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lexington-herald-willson-inaugurated/130724363/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 12, 1911
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1907

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|William Hopkinson|Cox}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|37

|data-sort-value="McCreary, James"|75px

|rowspan="3" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|James B. McCreary
{{Small|(1838–1918)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=528}}

|{{dts|December 12, 1911}}{{Cite news |date=1911-12-13 |title=Second Oath As Governor |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-mccreary-inaugurated/130724405/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 7, 1915
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1911

|rowspan="2" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Edward J.|McDermott}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|38

|data-sort-value="Stanley, Augustus"|75px

|Augustus Owsley Stanley
{{Small|(1867–1958)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=537–538}}{{Cite web |title=Augustus Owsley Stanley |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/augustus-owsley-stanley/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 7, 1915}}{{Cite news |last=Kaltenbacher |first=Will S. |date=1915-12-08 |title=Stanley Dedicates Himself to State's Service Amid Cheers |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-stanley-inaugurated/130724439/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
May 19, 1919
{{small|(resigned)}}{{efn|Stanley resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=537–538}}}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1915

|{{sortname|James D.|Black}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|39

|data-sort-value="Black, James"|75px

|James D. Black
{{Small|(1849–1938)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=538}}{{Cite web |title=James Dixon Black |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/james-dixon-black/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|May 19, 1919}}{{Cite news |date=1919-05-20 |title=Black Becomes 41st Governor |page=3 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-black-succeeds-stanl/130724478/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 9, 1919
{{small|(lost election)}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|colspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|40

|data-sort-value="Morrow, Edwin"|75px

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|Edwin P. Morrow
{{Small|(1877–1935)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=539}}{{Cite web |title=Edwin Porch Morrow |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/edwin-porch-morrow/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 9, 1919}}{{Cite news |last=Perry |first=Claud W. |date=1919-12-10 |title=E. P. Morrow Is Sworn In As Governor |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-morrow-inaugurated-d/130724507/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 11, 1923
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1919

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|S. Thruston|Ballard}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|41

|data-sort-value="Fields, William"|75px

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|William J. Fields
{{Small|(1874–1954)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=539–540}}{{Cite web |title=William Jason Fields |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-jason-fields/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 11, 1923}}{{Cite news |last=Briney |first=Russell |date=1923-12-12 |title=Fields Assumes Duties As Governor |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-fields-as-governor/30573451/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 13, 1927
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1923

|rowspan="4" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Henry|Denhardt}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|42

|data-sort-value="Sampson, Flem"|75px

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|Flem D. Sampson
{{Small|(1875–1967)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=540–541}}{{Cite web |title=Flem Davis Sampson |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/flem-davis-sampson/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 13, 1927}}{{Cite news |last=Michler |first=George |date=1927-12-14 |title=10,000 Watch Ceremonies in Frankfort |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-sampson-inaugurated/130724590/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 8, 1931
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1927

|{{sortname|James|Breathitt Jr.}}{{efn|name=ltdem}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|43

|data-sort-value="Laffoon, Ruby"|75px

|rowspan="4" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|Ruby Laffoon
{{Small|(1869–1941)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=541–542}}{{Cite web |title=Ruby Laffoon |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/ruby-laffoon/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 8, 1931}}{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Joe |date=1931-12-09 |title=Laffoon Says He Will Keep Platform Pledges; Takes Oath As Governor Before Throng |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-laffoon-inaugurated/130724630/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 10, 1935
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1931

|{{sortname|Happy|Chandler}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|44

|data-sort-value="Chandler, Happy"|75px

|Happy Chandler
{{Small|(1898–1991)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=542–543}}{{Cite web |title=Albert Benjamin Chandler |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/albert-benjamin-chandler/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 10, 1935}}{{Cite news |last=Henderson |first=J. Howard |date=1935-12-11 |title=Chandler Sworn As Governor |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-chandler-inaugurated/130724662/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
October 9, 1939
{{small|(resigned)}}{{efn|Chandler resigned so that his successor would appoint him to the United States Senate.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=542–543}}}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1935

|{{sortname|Keen|Johnson}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|45

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Johnson, Keen"|75px

|rowspan="2"|Keen Johnson
{{Small|(1896–1970)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=543–544}}{{Cite web |title=Keen Johnson |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/keen-johnson/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|October 9, 1939}}{{Cite news |date=1939-10-10 |title=Chandler Resigns, Is Named Senator |page=1 |work=The Lexington Herald |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lexington-herald-johnson-succeeds-ch/130724713/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 7, 1943
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|rowspan="2"|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|colspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

|1939

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Rodes K.|Myers}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|46

|data-sort-value="Willis, Simeon"|75px

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|Simeon Willis
{{Small|(1879–1965)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=544–545}}{{Cite web |title=Simeon Slavens Willis |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/simeon-slavens-willis/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 7, 1943}}{{Cite news |last=Trout |first=Allan M. |date=1943-12-08 |title=6,000 See Wills Inaugurated Governor Amid Fanfare |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-willis-inaugurated-d/130724747/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 9, 1947
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1943

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Kenneth H.|Tuggle}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|47

|data-sort-value="Clements, Earle"|75px

|rowspan="6" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|Earle Clements
{{Small|(1896–1985)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=545–546}}{{Cite web |title=Earle Chester Clements |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/earle-chester-clements/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 9, 1947}}{{Cite news |last=Morris |first=Hugh |date=1947-12-10 |title=Clements Asks Kentuckian's Unselfish Aid |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-clements-inaugurated/130724768/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
November 27, 1950
{{small|(resigned)}}{{efn|Clements resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=545–546}}}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1947

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Lawrence|Wetherby}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|48

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Wetherby, Lawrence"|75px

|rowspan="2"|Lawrence Wetherby
{{Small|(1908–1994)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=546–547}}{{Cite web |title=Lawrence Winchester Wetherby |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/lawrence-winchester-wetherby/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|November 27, 1950}}{{Cite news |last=Stiles |first=S. V. |date=1950-11-28 |title=Wetherby Takes Oath As Governor, Pledges a Program of Advancement |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-wetherby-succeeds-cl/130724795/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 13, 1955
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|rowspan="2"|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|colspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

|1951

|rowspan="6" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Emerson|Beauchamp}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|49

|data-sort-value="Chandler, Happy"|75px

|Happy Chandler
{{Small|(1898–1991)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=542–543}}

|{{dts|December 13, 1955}}{{Cite news |last=Morris |first=Hugh |date=1955-12-14 |title=Big Parade Delays Oath Rites |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-chandler-inaugurated/130724828/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 8, 1959
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1955

|{{sortname|Harry Lee|Waterfield}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|50

|data-sort-value="Combs, Bert"|75px

|Bert Combs
{{Small|(1911–1991)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=547–548}}{{Cite web |title=Bert Thomas Combs |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/bert-thomas-combs/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 8, 1959}}{{Cite news |last=Morris |first=Hugh |date=1959-12-09 |title=Ceremony Held Under Clear Skies |page=1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-combs-inaugurated-de/130724882/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 10, 1963
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1959

|{{sortname|Wilson W.|Wyatt}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|51

|data-sort-value="Breathitt, Ned"|75px

|Ned Breathitt
{{Small|(1924–2003)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=548}}{{Cite web |title=Edward Thompson Breathitt |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/edward-thompson-breathitt/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 10, 1963}}{{Cite news |last=Patterson |first=Malcolm |date=1963-12-11 |title=ETB, Waterfield Take Official Oath Just After Midnight |page=1 |work=The Lexington Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lexington-herald-breathitt-inaugurat/130724931/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 12, 1967
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1963

|{{sortname|Harry Lee|Waterfield}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|52

|data-sort-value="Nunn, Louie"|75px

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|Louie Nunn
{{Small|(1924–2004)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=549–550}}{{Cite web |title=Louie Broady Nunn |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/louie-broady-nunn/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 12, 1967}}{{Cite news |last=Morris |first=Hugh |date=1967-12-13 |title=Nunn and Ford Pledge Cooperation |page=A1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-nunn-inaugurated-dec/130724967/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 7, 1971
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1967

|{{sortname|Wendell|Ford}}{{efn|name=ltdem}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|53

|data-sort-value="Ford, Wendell"|75px

|rowspan="9" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|Wendell Ford
{{Small|(1924–2015)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=550}}{{Cite web |title=Wendell Hampton Ford |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/wendell-hampton-ford/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 7, 1971}}{{Cite news |last=Billiter |first=Bill |date=1971-12-08 |title=Ford Pledges 'Service to the People' |page=A1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-ford-inaugurated-dec/130725002/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 28, 1974
{{small|(resigned)}}{{efn|Ford resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=550}}}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|1971

|{{sortname|Julian|Carroll}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|54

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Carroll, Julian"|75px

|rowspan="2"|Julian Carroll
{{Small|(1931–2023)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=551}}{{Cite web |title=Julian Morton Carroll |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/julian-morton-carroll/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|December 28, 1974}}{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Richard |date=1974-12-29 |title=Julian Carroll Takes the Oath As Kentucky's 50th Governor |page=A1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-carroll-succeeds-for/130725044/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 11, 1979
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|rowspan="2"|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=205–208}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|colspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

|1975

|rowspan="7" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Thelma|Stovall}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|55

|data-sort-value="Brown, John 2"|75px

|John Y. Brown Jr.
{{Small|(1933–2022)}}
{{Cite web |title=John Y. Brown Jr. |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-y-brown-jr/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 11, 1979}}{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Bob |date=1979-12-12 |title=Brown Calls for Idealism As He Takes Oath of Office |page=A1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-brown-inaugurated-de/130725061/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 13, 1983
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic

|1979

|{{sortname|Martha Layne|Collins}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|56

|data-sort-value="Collins, Martha"|75px

|Martha Layne Collins
{{Small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1936)}}
{{Cite web |title=Martha Layne Collins |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/martha-layne-collins/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 13, 1983}}{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Bob |date=1983-12-14 |title=Gov. Collins Vows To Put Kentucky First |page=A1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-collins-inaugurated/130725089/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 8, 1987
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic

|1983

|{{sortname|Steve|Beshear}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|57

|data-sort-value="Wilkinson, Wallace"|75px

|Wallace Wilkinson
{{Small|(1941–2002)}}
{{Cite web |title=Wallace G. Wilkinson |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/wallace-g-wilkinson/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 8, 1987}}{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Bob |date=1987-12-09 |title=Wilkinson Promises Opportunity, Hope |page=A1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-wilkinson-inaugurate/130725122/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 10, 1991
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1850}}

|Democratic

|1987

|{{sortname|Brereton C.|Jones}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|58

|data-sort-value="Jones, Brereton"|75px

|Brereton C. Jones
{{Small|(1939–2023)}}
{{Cite web |title=Brereton C. Jones |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/brereton-c-jones/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 10, 1991}}{{Cite news |last=Wolfe |first=Charles |date=1991-12-11 |title=Oath More Fun the Second Time |page=12A |work=The Paducah Sun |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-paducah-sun-jones-inaugurated-decemb/130725167/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 12, 1995
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|Under a 1992 amendment to the constitution, governors are ineligible for four years after the end of their second consecutive elected term.{{Cite web |title=Ky. Const. § 71 |url=http://www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu/Search/results.aspx?srch=1&state=%27KY%27&CID=123&art=&sec=71&amd=&key=&Yr= |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu}}|name=limits-1992}}

|Democratic

|1991

|{{sortname|Paul E.|Patton}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|59

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Patton, Paul"|75px

|rowspan="2"|Paul E. Patton
{{Small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1937)}}
{{Cite web |title=Paul E. Patton |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/paul-e-patton/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|December 12, 1995}}{{Cite news |last=Cross |first=Al |date=1995-12-13 |title=No Retreat From School Reform, He Vows at Inaugural |page=A1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-patton-inaugurated-d/130725215/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 9, 2003
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1992}}

|rowspan="2"|Democratic

|1995

|rowspan="2"|{{sortname|Steve|Henry}}

style="height:2em;"

|1999

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|60

|data-sort-value="Fletcher, Ernie"|75px

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|Ernie Fletcher
{{Small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1952)}}
{{Cite web |title=Ernie Fletcher |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/ernie-fletcher/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 9, 2003}}{{Cite news |last1=Loftus |first1=Tom |last2=Cross |first2=Al |date=2003-12-10 |title=Fletcher Vows a 'New Unity' |page=A1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-fletcher-inaugurated/130725259/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 11, 2007
{{small|(lost election)}}

|Republican

|2003

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Steve|Pence}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="3" scope="rowgroup"|61

|rowspan="3" data-sort-value="Beshear, Steve"|75px

|rowspan="3" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|rowspan="3"|Steve Beshear
{{Small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1944)}}
{{Cite web |title=Steven L. Beshear |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/steven-l-beshear/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="3"|{{dts|December 11, 2007}}{{Cite news |last1=Loftus |first1=Tom |last2=Gerth |first2=Joseph |date=2007-12-12 |title=Beshear Era Begins |page=A1 |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-beshear-inaugurated/130725306/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 8, 2015
{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1992}}

|rowspan="3"|Democratic

|2007

|rowspan="3" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Daniel|Mongiardo}}

style="height:2em;"

|rowspan="2"|2011

|{{sortname|Jerry|Abramson}}
{{small|(resigned November 13, 2014)}}

style="height:2em;"

|{{sortname|Crit|Luallen}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|62

|data-sort-value="Bevin, Matt"|75px

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|Matt Bevin
{{Small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1967)}}
{{Cite web |title=Matt Bevin |date=December 8, 2015 |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/matt-bevin/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 8, 2015}}{{Cite news |last=Gerth |first=Joseph |date=2015-12-09 |title=Bevin Sworn In |page=1A |work=The Courier-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-bevin-inaugurated-de/130725336/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
December 10, 2019
{{small|(lost election)}}

|Republican

|2015

|style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Jenean|Hampton}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|63

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Beshear, Andy"|75px

|rowspan="2" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|rowspan="2"|Andy Beshear
{{Small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1977)}}
{{Cite web |title=Andy Beshear |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/gov-andy-beshear/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|December 10, 2019}}{{Cite news |last=Schreiner |first=Bruce |date=2019-12-11 |title=New Governor Reorganizes State Board of Education |page=A1 |work=Messenger-Inquirer |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/messenger-inquirer-beshear-inaugurated-d/130725361/ |access-date=2023-08-27}}
–
Incumbent{{efn|Beshear's second term began on December 12, 2023,{{Cite news |last=Schreiner |first=Bruce |date=2023-12-12 |title=Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear denounces politics of division at start of 2nd term in Kentucky |url=https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-governor-andy-beshear-inauguration-d5c0ed8df6aefbb6b122b4f9727f5e4a |access-date=2025-01-23 |work=Associated Press |language=en}} and will expire on December 7, 2027; he will be term-limited.}}

|rowspan="2"|Democratic

|2019

|rowspan="2" style="color:inherit;background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|rowspan="2"|{{sortname|Jacqueline|Coleman}}

style="height:2em;"

|2023

Confederate governors

{{stack|

File:Gwjohnson ky.jpg, 1st Confederate Governor of Kentucky]]

File:Richard-Hawes.jpg, 2nd Confederate Governor of Kentucky]]

|clear=right}}

During the Civil War, a group of secessionists met at Russellville to form a Confederate government for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This government never successfully displaced the government in Frankfort, and Kentucky remained in the Union through the entire war. Two men were elected governor of the Confederate government: George W. Johnson, who served from November 20, 1861, to his death on April 8, 1862, at the Battle of Shiloh, and, on Johnson's death, Richard Hawes, who served until the Confederate surrender on April 9, 1865. The Confederate government disbanded shortly after the end of the war in 1865.{{Cite encyclopedia |year=1992 |title=Confederate Government |encyclopedia=The Kentucky Encyclopedia |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |location=Lexington, Kentucky |editor-last=Kleber |editor-first=John E. |isbn=0-8131-1772-0}}

See also

Notes

{{notelist}}

References

;General

{{refbegin}}

  • {{Cite web |title=Kentucky's Governors |url=http://kdla.ky.gov/resources/KYGovernors.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100708030053/http://www.kdla.ky.gov/resources/KYGovernors.htm |archive-date=July 8, 2010 |access-date=July 13, 2010 |publisher=Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives}}
  • {{Cite web |title=Former Kentucky Governors |url=https://www.nga.org/former-governors/kentucky/ |access-date=February 28, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Sobel |first=Robert |url=https://archive.org/details/biographicaldire0000sobe/ |title=Biographical directory of the governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. II |publisher=Meckler Books |year=1978 |isbn=9780930466008 |access-date=February 27, 2023}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Dubin |first=Michael J. |url=http://archive.org/details/unitedstatesgube0000dubi |title=United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1776-1860: The Official Results by State and County |date=2003 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0-7864-1439-0}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Dubin |first=Michael J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WYJAIOabIPgC |title=United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1861-1911: The Official Results by State and County |date=2014 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0-7864-5646-8 |language=en}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Kallenbach |first=Joseph Ernest |url=http://archive.org/details/americanstategov0000kall |title=American State Governors, 1776-1976 |date=1977 |publisher=Oceana Publications |isbn=978-0-379-00665-0 |access-date=September 23, 2023}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Glashan |first=Roy R. |url=http://archive.org/details/americangovernor0000glas |title=American Governors and Gubernatorial Elections, 1775-1978 |date=1979 |publisher=Meckler Books |isbn=978-0-930466-17-6}}
  • {{Cite web |title=Our Campaigns - Governor of Kentucky - History |url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/ContainerHistory.html?ContainerID=183 |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=www.ourcampaigns.com}}
  • {{Cite web |title=Our Campaigns - Governor of Kentucky (CSA) - History |url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/ContainerHistory.html?ContainerID=68438 |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=www.ourcampaigns.com}}

{{refend}}

;Constitution

{{refbegin}}

  • {{Cite web |title=Kentucky Constitution |url=http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Legresou/Constitu/list1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617101832/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Legresou/Constitu/list1.htm |archive-date=2010-06-17 |access-date=July 13, 2010 |publisher=Kentucky Legislature}}
  • {{Cite web |title=1792 Kentucky Constitution |url=http://courts.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/7471028C-8BCC-41A2-BA80-02013D4FA550/0/1stKYConstitution.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100313211032/http://courts.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/7471028C-8BCC-41A2-BA80-02013D4FA550/0/1stKYConstitution.pdf |archive-date=2010-03-13 |access-date=July 13, 2010 |publisher=Commonwealth of Kentucky}}
  • {{Cite web |title=1799 Kentucky Constitution |url=http://courts.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/E5470543-A249-4265-8EDD-0C0DDD6A7212/0/2ndKYConstitution.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100313211007/http://courts.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/E5470543-A249-4265-8EDD-0C0DDD6A7212/0/2ndKYConstitution.pdf |archive-date=2010-03-13 |access-date=July 13, 2010 |publisher=Commonwealth of Kentucky}}
  • {{Cite web |title=1850 Kentucky Constitution |url=http://courts.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/514E219E-9A7A-4D29-A862-0C9BD00A3EC1/0/3rdKYConstitution.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100313210940/http://courts.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/514E219E-9A7A-4D29-A862-0C9BD00A3EC1/0/3rdKYConstitution.pdf |archive-date=2010-03-13 |access-date=July 13, 2010 |publisher=Commonwealth of Kentucky}}

{{refend}}

;Specific

{{Reflist|30em}}

External links

{{commons category | Governors of Kentucky}}

  • [http://governor.ky.gov/ Office of the Governor of Kentucky]

{{Governors of Kentucky}}

{{Lists of US Governors}}

{{Kentucky}}

{{featured list}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kentucky, List Of Governors Of}}

Category:Lists of state governors of the United States

Governors

Governors