List_of_governors_of_Kentucky

List of governors of Kentucky

List of governors of Kentucky

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The governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the head of government of Kentucky,[1] and serves as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces.[2] The governor has a duty to enforce state laws;[3] the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Kentucky General Assembly;[4] the power to convene the legislature;[5] and the power to grant pardons, except in cases of treason and impeachment.[6] 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.[7]

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.[8] 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.[7] 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.[9] 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.[10] 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.[11] A 1992 amendment allowed governors to have a second term before being prevented from succeeding themselves for four years.[12] Originally, should the office of governor be vacant, the speaker of the Senate would exercise the powers of the office;[13] in 1799, the office of lieutenant governor was created to fill this role,[14] and, as of 1992, is elected on the same ticket as the governor.[15]

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Confederate governors

George W. Johnson, 1st Confederate Governor of Kentucky
Richard Hawes, 2nd Confederate Governor of Kentucky

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.[204]

See also

Notes

  1. The state labels Matt Bevin as the 62nd governor;[16] based on this, subsequent terms of repeat governors are numbered.
  2. The office of lieutenant governor was created in 1799.[17]
  3. Lieutenant governors represented the same party as their governor unless noted.
  4. Under the 1799 constitution, governors were ineligible for seven years after the end of their term.[25]
  5. The constitutional start date would have been August 27;[21] however, contemporary news indicates Madison succeeded Shelby on September 5.[32]
  6. The constitutional start date would have been August 29;[21] however, what little contemporary reporting that has been found says he was inaugurated on September 7.[38][39]
  7. Kallenbach labels Metcalfe both as a Whig[46] and a National Republican;[47] Glashan labels him a National Republican;[48] and Dubin[49] and Sobel[43] describe him as a pro-Adams Administration candidate.
  8. Represented the Democratic Party
  9. Represented the National Republican Party.
  10. Glashan labels Morehead a National Republican,[56] and Sobel notes he succeeded to governor as a Whig,[53] as the National Republicans had transitioned into the Whig Party in 1834.
  11. Crittenden resigned, having been confirmed as Attorney General of the United States.[72]
  12. The 1850 constitution shifted the election schedule forward, shortening this term by a year.
  13. Helm was sworn in on July 31, but contemporary sources say Crittenden resigned on July 30.[78]
  14. Under the 1850 constitution, governors were ineligible for four years after the end of their term.[82]
  15. Represented the Whig Party.
  16. Magoffin resigned due to disagreement with the state legislature over neutrality in the American Civil War.[87]
  17. Stevenson resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.[98]
  18. 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.[122][125]
  19. Stanley resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.[135]
  20. Chandler resigned so that his successor would appoint him to the United States Senate.[153]
  21. Clements resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.[162]
  22. Ford resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.[178]
  23. Under a 1992 amendment to the constitution, governors are ineligible for four years after the end of their second consecutive elected term.[192]
  24. Beshear's second term began on December 12, 2023, and will expire December 7, 2027; he will be term-limited.[203]

References

General
  • "Kentucky's Governors". Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Archived from the original on July 8, 2010. Retrieved July 13, 2010.
  • "Former Kentucky Governors". National Governors Association. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  • Sobel, Robert (1978). Biographical directory of the governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. II. Meckler Books. ISBN 9780930466008. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  • Dubin, Michael J. (2003). United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1776-1860: The Official Results by State and County. McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-1439-0.
  • Dubin, Michael J. (2014). United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1861-1911: The Official Results by State and County. McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-5646-8.
  • Kallenbach, Joseph Ernest (1977). American State Governors, 1776-1976. Oceana Publications. ISBN 978-0-379-00665-0. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  • Glashan, Roy R. (1979). American Governors and Gubernatorial Elections, 1775-1978. Meckler Books. ISBN 978-0-930466-17-6.
  • "Our Campaigns - Governor of Kentucky - History". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  • "Our Campaigns - Governor of Kentucky (CSA) - History". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
Constitution
Specific
  1. KY Const. § 69.
  2. KY Const. § 75.
  3. KY Const. § 81
  4. KY Const. § 88.
  5. KY Const. § 80.
  6. KY Const. § 77.
  7. Kleber, John E., ed. (1992). "Governor, Office of". The Kentucky Encyclopedia. Lexington: The University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 0-8131-1772-0.
  8. Kleber, John E., ed. (1992). "Goebel Assassination". The Kentucky Encyclopedia. Lexington: The University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 0-8131-1772-0.
  9. 1799 Const. art. II, § 2–3
  10. 1799 Const. art. III, § 3–5
  11. 1850 Const. art. III, § 3–5
  12. KY Const. § 71
  13. 1792 Const. art. III, § 16–18
  14. 1799 Const. art. III, § 16–18
  15. KY Const. § 70
  16. "Governor Matt Bevin". Governor of Kentucky. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
  17. 1799 Const. art. II, § 15
  18. Sobel 1978, pp. 507–508.
  19. "Carlisle, June 20". Aurora General Advertiser. June 30, 1792. p. 3. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  20. Kallenbach 1977, pp. 205–208.
  21. Sobel 1978, pp. 508–509.
  22. "Garrard inaugurated June 1 (Other sources make it clear "1st inst." refers to June, not July)". Lancaster Intelligencer. July 22, 1796. p. 3. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  23. "1799 Ky. Const. art. III, § 3". www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  24. Sobel 1978, p. 509.
  25. Sobel 1978, p. 510.
  26. Sobel 1978, pp. 510–511.
  27. "Governor Madison". Kentucky Gazette. September 9, 1816. p. 3. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  28. Sobel 1978, pp. 511–512.
  29. "Oaths of the Governor". The Argus of Western America. September 3, 1828. p. 2. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  30. Sobel 1978, pp. 512–513.
  31. "none". The Evening Post. September 13, 1820. p. 2. Retrieved March 1, 2023. 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.
  32. "Kentucky Election". Gettysburg Compiler. October 11, 1820. p. 1. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  33. Sobel 1978, pp. 513–514.
  34. "Kentucky". The Charleston Daily Courier. September 17, 1824. p. 2. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  35. Sobel 1978, p. 514.
  36. "The Inauguration". Anti-Jackson Bulletin and Messenger of Truth. August 30, 1828. p. 3. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  37. Dubin 2003, p. 1828.
  38. Sobel 1978, p. 515.
  39. Sobel 1978, pp. 515–516.
  40. "Death of Gov. Breathitt". The Pittsburgh Gazette. March 5, 1834. p. 2. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  41. Sobel 1978, pp. 516–517.
  42. "Governor Clark". The Courier-Journal. September 3, 1836. p. 2. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  43. Sobel 1978, pp. 517–518.
  44. "Death of the Governor of Kentucky". Kentucky Gazette. August 29, 1839. p. 2. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  45. Sobel 1978, p. 518.
  46. "New of the Week". The Native American. September 19, 1840. p. 3. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  47. Sobel 1978, p. 519.
  48. "none". The Courier-Journal. September 7, 1844. p. 3. Retrieved August 26, 2023. The Hon. Wm. Owsley took the usual oath of office at Frankfort on Wednesday, and is now Governor of this State.
  49. Sobel 1978, pp. 519–520.
  50. "Inauguration Day". The Louisville Daily Courier. September 9, 1848. p. 3. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  51. Sobel 1978, pp. 520–521.
  52. "Resignation of Governor Crittenden". The Courier-Journal. July 31, 1850. p. 3. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  53. Sobel 1978, pp. 521–522.
  54. "Inauguration of the Governor and Lieut. Governor". The Courier-Journal. September 3, 1851. p. 3. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  55. "1850 Ky. Const. art. III, § 3". www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  56. Sobel 1978, pp. 522–523.
  57. "The Inauguration Ceremonies". The Louisville Daily Courier. September 6, 1855. p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  58. Sobel 1978, pp. 523–524.
  59. "The Inauguration of Magoffin". The Louisville Daily Courier. August 31, 1859. p. 2. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  60. Sobel 1978, pp. 524–525.
  61. "Kentucky Legislature". The Courier-Journal. August 19, 1862. p. 3. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  62. Sobel 1978, pp. 525–526.
  63. "The Inauguration of Gov. Bramlette". Maysville Weekly Bulletin. September 3, 1863. p. 3. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  64. "Inauguration of Gov. Helm". The Owensboro Monitor. September 4, 1867. p. 2. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  65. Sobel 1978, pp. 526–527.
  66. "The Death of Governor Helm". The Courier-Journal. September 9, 1867. p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  67. Sobel 1978, p. 527.
  68. "Kentucky Legislature". Kentucky Advocate. February 17, 1871. p. 2. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  69. Sobel 1978, p. 528.
  70. "none". The Courier-Journal. September 1, 1875. p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2023. The inauguration of Hon. James B. McCreary, Governor elect of Kentucky, at the capital yesterday...
  71. Sobel 1978, p. 529.
  72. "The Inauguration". Interior Journal. September 5, 1879. p. 2. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  73. Sobel 1978, pp. 529–530.
  74. "Kentucky's New Governor". Kentucky Advocate. September 7, 1883. p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  75. Sobel 1978, pp. 530–531.
  76. "Gov. Buckner". The Courier-Journal. August 31, 1887. p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  77. Sobel 1978, pp. 531–532.
  78. "The New Rung In, the Old Rung Out at Frankfort". Lexington Herald-Leader. September 1, 1891. p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  79. Sobel 1978, pp. 532–533.
  80. "Gov. W. O. Bradley". Lexington Herald-Leader. December 10, 1895. p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  81. Sobel 1978, pp. 533–534.
  82. "Wm. Sylvester Taylor, Governor of Kentucky". Lexington Herald-Leader. Associated Press. December 12, 1899. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  83. Sobel 1978, p. 534.
  84. "Solemn Scene Was the Inauguration of William Goebel As Governor". The Courier-Journal. February 1, 1900. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  85. Sobel 1978, pp. 535–536.
  86. "Beckham Sworn In". Lexington Herald-Leader. Associated Press. February 4, 1900. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  87. Sobel 1978, pp. 536–537.
  88. "Willson Sworn In and Declares He Will Uphold Law". The Lexington Herald. December 11, 1907. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  89. "Second Oath As Governor". The Courier-Journal. December 13, 1911. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  90. Sobel 1978, pp. 537–538.
  91. Kaltenbacher, Will S. (December 8, 1915). "Stanley Dedicates Himself to State's Service Amid Cheers". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  92. Sobel 1978, p. 538.
  93. "Black Becomes 41st Governor". The Courier-Journal. May 20, 1919. p. 3. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  94. Sobel 1978, p. 539.
  95. Perry, Claud W. (December 10, 1919). "E. P. Morrow Is Sworn In As Governor". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  96. Sobel 1978, pp. 539–540.
  97. Briney, Russell (December 12, 1923). "Fields Assumes Duties As Governor". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  98. Sobel 1978, pp. 540–541.
  99. Michler, George (December 14, 1927). "10,000 Watch Ceremonies in Frankfort". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  100. Sobel 1978, pp. 541–542.
  101. Hart, Joe (December 9, 1931). "Laffoon Says He Will Keep Platform Pledges; Takes Oath As Governor Before Throng". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  102. Sobel 1978, pp. 542–543.
  103. Henderson, J. Howard (December 11, 1935). "Chandler Sworn As Governor". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  104. Sobel 1978, pp. 543–544.
  105. "Chandler Resigns, Is Named Senator". The Lexington Herald. Associated Press. October 10, 1939. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  106. Sobel 1978, pp. 544–545.
  107. Trout, Allan M. (December 8, 1943). "6,000 See Wills Inaugurated Governor Amid Fanfare". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  108. Sobel 1978, pp. 545–546.
  109. Morris, Hugh (December 10, 1947). "Clements Asks Kentuckian's Unselfish Aid". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  110. Sobel 1978, pp. 546–547.
  111. Stiles, S. V. (November 28, 1950). "Wetherby Takes Oath As Governor, Pledges a Program of Advancement". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  112. Morris, Hugh (December 14, 1955). "Big Parade Delays Oath Rites". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  113. Sobel 1978, pp. 547–548.
  114. Morris, Hugh (December 9, 1959). "Ceremony Held Under Clear Skies". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  115. Sobel 1978, p. 548.
  116. Patterson, Malcolm (December 11, 1963). "ETB, Waterfield Take Official Oath Just After Midnight". The Lexington Herald. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  117. Sobel 1978, pp. 549–550.
  118. Morris, Hugh (December 13, 1967). "Nunn and Ford Pledge Cooperation". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  119. Sobel 1978, p. 550.
  120. Billiter, Bill (December 8, 1971). "Ford Pledges 'Service to the People'". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  121. Sobel 1978, p. 551.
  122. Wilson, Richard (December 29, 1974). "Julian Carroll Takes the Oath As Kentucky's 50th Governor". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  123. Johnson, Bob (December 12, 1979). "Brown Calls for Idealism As He Takes Oath of Office". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  124. Johnson, Bob (December 14, 1983). "Gov. Collins Vows To Put Kentucky First". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  125. Johnson, Bob (December 9, 1987). "Wilkinson Promises Opportunity, Hope". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  126. Wolfe, Charles (December 11, 1991). "Oath More Fun the Second Time". The Paducah Sun. Associated Press. p. 12A. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  127. "Ky. Const. § 71". www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  128. Cross, Al (December 13, 1995). "No Retreat From School Reform, He Vows at Inaugural". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  129. Loftus, Tom; Cross, Al (December 10, 2003). "Fletcher Vows a 'New Unity'". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  130. Loftus, Tom; Gerth, Joseph (December 12, 2007). "Beshear Era Begins". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  131. Gerth, Joseph (December 9, 2015). "Bevin Sworn In". The Courier-Journal. p. 1A. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  132. Schreiner, Bruce (December 11, 2019). "New Governor Reorganizes State Board of Education". Messenger-Inquirer. Associated Press. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  133. Bowman, Bridget (November 8, 2023). "Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear wins re-election in Kentucky". NBC News. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  134. Kleber, John E., ed. (1992). "Confederate Government". The Kentucky Encyclopedia. Lexington, Kentucky: The University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 0-8131-1772-0.


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