Adam Edelen, a former state auditor and chief of staff to former Gov. Steve Beshear, will announce his candidacy for governor on Monday, according to media reports.
Edelen will join Attorney General Andy Beshear and House Minority Leader Rocky Adkins in the increasingly crowded list of Democrat challengers for governor. Louisville businessman Gill Holland, who is a board member of Louisville Public Media, is expected to be Edelen’s running mate.
Gov. Matt Bevin announced last year he plans to run for re-election, but according to the Secretary of State’s website, Bevin has not yet filed the necessary paperwork to make his candidacy official. The deadline to officially declare candidacy for elected offices in Kentucky is January 29.
Speculation that Edelen will run for governor began after the back door to his (supposedly hidden) campaign website became vulnerable on Wednesday. Information found on the site points toward Edelen announcing his candidacy next week, according to media reports. The site was shut down after photos of the page began circulating on social media.
Edelen served as Kentucky State Auditor from 2012 until 2016. He lost his reelection bid to current State Auditor Mike Harmon (R).
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
