Grayson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Hardin is running for governor in 2027.
Hardin, a Republican, was first elected the 46th Judicial Circuit Commonwealth’s Attorney in 2018, and reelected without opposition in 2024. In addition to Grayson County, the 46th Judicial District includes Meade and Breckinridge counties.
Hardin’s campaign website can be found by clicking here.
Hardin’s campaign website highlights his thoughts on “Separation of corporation and state.”
“Corporate influence has dominated Kentucky’s representative governments since our inception. If you believe that fundamental rights are endowed by our Creator, then only an individual may possess them … Corporations are created by individuals and corporations are designed for profit. While it is necessary to deny corporations access to government due to undue influence, it is equally important to protect corporations from the government. The government must not possess any corporation as property. As government access is severed from religion (religious individuals have access), government access must be severed from corporations to protect society and the function of the corporation. Kentucky, our society, possess religions, governments, and corporations but these institutions must be separated due to their independent ability to control the other institutions and create a religious or corporate society.”
Hardin, 51, the first candidate to file gubernatorial candidacy papers, will likely face challenges from fellow Republicans: Current Secretary of State Michael Adams, U.S. Rep. James Comer and former majority leader in the Kentucky Senate, Damon Thayer.
Current Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, a Democrat, has also expressed interest in running for governor. Current Kentucky governor Andy Beshear is term-limited.
The 2027 Primary Election is scheduled for May 18, while the General Election will be held on November 2.
(Photo: 46th Judicial Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Hardin, courtesy of Hardin’s campaign website)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
