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

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

Governors of the Commonwealth of Kentucky

No.	Governor			Term in office	Party	Election	Lt. Governor
1			Isaac Shelby (1750–1826)	June 4, 1792 – June 1, 1796 (did not run)	Democratic- Republican	1792	Office did not exist
2			James Garrard (1749–1822)	June 1, 1796 – September 5, 1804 (term-limited)	Democratic- Republican	1796
						1800		Alexander Scott Bullitt
3			Christopher Greenup (1750–1818)	September 5, 1804 – August 23, 1808 (term-limited)	Democratic- Republican	1804		John Caldwell (died November 19, 1804)
							Vacant
								Thomas Posey (acting, elected Speaker in 1805)
4			Charles Scott (1739–1813)	August 23, 1808 – August 24, 1812 (term-limited)	Democratic- Republican	1808		Gabriel Slaughter
5			Isaac Shelby (1750–1826)	August 24, 1812 – September 5, 1816 (term-limited)	Democratic- Republican	1812		Richard Hickman
6			George Madison (1763–1816)	September 5, 1816 – October 14, 1816 (died in office)	Democratic- Republican	1816		Gabriel Slaughter
7			Gabriel Slaughter (1767–1830)	October 14, 1816 – September 7, 1820 (did not run)	Democratic- Republican	Succeeded from lieutenant governor	Vacant
8			John Adair (1757–1840)	September 7, 1820 – August 24, 1824 (term-limited)	Democratic- Republican	1820		William T. Barry
9			Joseph Desha (1768–1842)	August 24, 1824 – August 26, 1828 (term-limited)	Democratic- Republican	1824		Robert B. McAfee
10			Thomas Metcalfe (1780–1855)	August 26, 1828 – August 28, 1832 (term-limited)	National Republican	1828		John Breathitt
11			John Breathitt (1786–1834)	August 28, 1832 – February 21, 1834 (died in office)	Democratic	1832		James Turner Morehead
12			James Turner Morehead (1797–1854)	February 21, 1834 – August 30, 1836 (did not run)	National Republican	Succeeded from lieutenant governor	Vacant
13			James Clark (1779–1839)	August 30, 1836 – August 27, 1839 (died in office)	Whig	1836		Charles A. Wickliffe
14			Charles A. Wickliffe (1788–1869)	August 27, 1839 – September 2, 1840 (did not run)	Whig	Succeeded from lieutenant governor	Vacant
15			Robert P. Letcher (1788–1861)	September 2, 1840 – September 4, 1844 (term-limited)	Whig	1840		Manlius Valerius Thomson
16			William Owsley (1782–1862)	September 4, 1844 – September 6, 1848 (term-limited)	Whig	1844		Archibald Dixon
17			John J. Crittenden (1787–1863)	September 6, 1848 – July 30, 1850 (resigned)	Whig	1848		John L. Helm
18			John L. Helm (1802–1867)	July 30, 1850 – September 2, 1851 (did not run)	Whig	Succeeded from lieutenant governor	Vacant
19			Lazarus W. Powell (1812–1867)	September 2, 1851 – September 4, 1855 (term-limited)	Democratic	1851		John Burton Thompson
20			Charles S. Morehead (1802–1868)	September 4, 1855 – August 30, 1859 (term-limited)	American	1855		James Greene Hardy
21			Beriah Magoffin (1815–1885)	August 30, 1859 – August 18, 1862 (resigned)	Democratic	1859		Linn Boyd (died December 17, 1859)
							Vacant
22			James Fisher Robinson (1800–1882)	August 18, 1862 – September 1, 1863 (did not run)	Democratic	Succeeded from president of the Senate
23			Thomas E. Bramlette (1817–1875)	September 1, 1863 – September 3, 1867 (term-limited)	Union Democratic	1863		Richard Taylor Jacob
24			John L. Helm (1802–1867)	September 3, 1867 – September 8, 1867 (died in office)	Democratic	1867		John W. Stevenson
25			John W. Stevenson (1812–1886)	September 8, 1867 – February 13, 1871 (resigned)	Democratic	Succeeded from lieutenant governor	Vacant
						1868 (special)
26			Preston Leslie (1819–1907)	February 13, 1871 – August 31, 1875 (term-limited)	Democratic	Succeeded from president of the Senate
						1871		John G. Carlisle
27			James B. McCreary (1838–1918)	August 31, 1875 – September 2, 1879 (term-limited)	Democratic	1875		John C. Underwood
28			Luke P. Blackburn (1816–1887)	September 2, 1879 – September 4, 1883 (term-limited)	Democratic	1879		James E. Cantrill
29			J. Proctor Knott (1830–1911)	September 4, 1883 – August 30, 1887 (term-limited)	Democratic	1883		James R. Hindman
30			Simon Bolivar Buckner (1823–1914)	August 30, 1887 – September 1, 1891 (term-limited)	Democratic	1887		James William Bryan
31			John Y. Brown (1835–1904)	September 1, 1891 – December 10, 1895 (term-limited)	Democratic	1891		Mitchell Cary Alford
32			William O'Connell Bradley (1847–1914)	December 10, 1895 – December 12, 1899 (term-limited)	Republican	1895		William Jackson Worthington
33			William S. Taylor (1853–1928)	December 12, 1899 – January 31, 1900 (removed from office)	Republican	1899		John Marshall
34			William Goebel (1856–1900)	January 31, 1900 – February 3, 1900 (died in office)	Democratic			J. C. W. Beckham
35			J. C. W. Beckham (1869–1940)	February 3, 1900 – December 10, 1907 (term-limited)	Democratic	Succeeded from lieutenant governor	Vacant
						1900 (special)
						1903		William P. Thorne
36			Augustus E. Willson (1846–1931)	December 10, 1907 – December 12, 1911 (term-limited)	Republican	1907		William Hopkinson Cox
37			James B. McCreary (1838–1918)	December 12, 1911 – December 7, 1915 (term-limited)	Democratic	1911		Edward J. McDermott
38			Augustus Owsley Stanley (1867–1958)	December 7, 1915 – May 19, 1919 (resigned)	Democratic	1915		James D. Black
39			James D. Black (1849–1938)	May 19, 1919 – December 9, 1919 (lost election)	Democratic	Succeeded from lieutenant governor	Vacant
40			Edwin P. Morrow (1877–1935)	December 9, 1919 – December 11, 1923 (term-limited)	Republican	1919		S. Thruston Ballard
41			William J. Fields (1874–1954)	December 11, 1923 – December 13, 1927 (term-limited)	Democratic	1923		Henry Denhardt
42			Flem D. Sampson (1875–1967)	December 13, 1927 – December 8, 1931 (term-limited)	Republican	1927		James Breathitt Jr.
43			Ruby Laffoon (1869–1941)	December 8, 1931 – December 10, 1935 (term-limited)	Democratic	1931		Happy Chandler
44			Happy Chandler (1898–1991)	December 10, 1935 – October 9, 1939 (resigned)	Democratic	1935		Keen Johnson
45			Keen Johnson (1896–1970)	October 9, 1939 – December 7, 1943 (term-limited)	Democratic	Succeeded from lieutenant governor	Vacant
						1939		Rodes K. Myers
46			Simeon Willis (1879–1965)	December 7, 1943 – December 9, 1947 (term-limited)	Republican	1943		Kenneth H. Tuggle
47			Earle Clements (1896–1985)	December 9, 1947 – November 27, 1950 (resigned)	Democratic	1947		Lawrence Wetherby
48			Lawrence Wetherby (1908–1994)	November 27, 1950 – December 13, 1955 (term-limited)	Democratic	Succeeded from lieutenant governor	Vacant
						1951		Emerson Beauchamp
49			Happy Chandler (1898–1991)	December 13, 1955 – December 8, 1959 (term-limited)	Democratic	1955		Harry Lee Waterfield
50			Bert Combs (1911–1991)	December 8, 1959 – December 10, 1963 (term-limited)	Democratic	1959		Wilson W. Wyatt
51			Ned Breathitt (1924–2003)	December 10, 1963 – December 12, 1967 (term-limited)	Democratic	1963		Harry Lee Waterfield
52			Louie Nunn (1924–2004)	December 12, 1967 – December 7, 1971 (term-limited)	Republican	1967		Wendell Ford
53			Wendell Ford (1924–2015)	December 7, 1971 – December 28, 1974 (resigned)	Democratic	1971		Julian Carroll
54			Julian Carroll (1931–2023)	December 28, 1974 – December 11, 1979 (term-limited)	Democratic	Succeeded from lieutenant governor	Vacant
						1975		Thelma Stovall
55			John Y. Brown Jr. (1933–2022)	December 11, 1979 – December 13, 1983 (term-limited)	Democratic	1979		Martha Layne Collins
56			Martha Layne Collins (b. 1936)	December 13, 1983 – December 8, 1987 (term-limited)	Democratic	1983		Steve Beshear
57			Wallace Wilkinson (1941–2002)	December 8, 1987 – December 10, 1991 (term-limited)	Democratic	1987		Brereton C. Jones
58			Brereton C. Jones (1939–2023)	December 10, 1991 – December 12, 1995 (term-limited)	Democratic	1991		Paul E. Patton
59			Paul E. Patton (b. 1937)	December 12, 1995 – December 9, 2003 (term-limited)	Democratic	1995		Steve Henry
						1999
60			Ernie Fletcher (b. 1952)	December 9, 2003 – December 11, 2007 (lost election)	Republican	2003		Steve Pence
61			Steve Beshear (b. 1944)	December 11, 2007 – December 8, 2015 (term-limited)	Democratic	2007		Daniel Mongiardo
						2011		Jerry Abramson (resigned November 13, 2014)
								Crit Luallen
62			Matt Bevin (b. 1967)	December 8, 2015 – December 10, 2019 (lost election)	Republican	2015		Jenean Hampton
63			Andy Beshear (b. 1977)	December 10, 2019 – Incumbent	Democratic	2019		Jacqueline Coleman
						2023

Confederate governors

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.

See also

• Timeline of Kentucky history
• List of Kentucky General Assemblies

Notes

1. The state labels Matt Bevin as the 62nd governor; based on this, subsequent terms of repeat governors are numbered.
2. The office of lieutenant governor was created in 1799.
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.
5. The constitutional start date would have been August 27; however, contemporary news indicates Madison succeeded Shelby on September 5.
6. The constitutional start date would have been August 29; however, what little contemporary reporting that has been found says he was inaugurated on September 7.
7. Kallenbach labels Metcalfe both as a Whig and a National Republican; Glashan labels him a National Republican; and Dubin and Sobel 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, and Sobel notes he succeeded to governor as a Whig, 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.
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.
14. ^ Under the 1850 constitution, governors were ineligible for four years after the end of their term.
15. Represented the Whig Party.
16. Magoffin resigned due to disagreement with the state legislature over neutrality in the American Civil War.
17. Stevenson resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.
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.
19. Stanley resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.
20. Chandler resigned so that his successor would appoint him to the United States Senate.
21. Clements resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.
22. Ford resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.
23. ^ Under a 1992 amendment to the constitution, governors are ineligible for four years after the end of their second consecutive elected term.
24. Beshear's second term began on December 12, 2023, and will expire December 7, 2027; he will be term-limited.

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

• "Kentucky Constitution". Kentucky Legislature. Archived from the original on June 17, 2010. Retrieved July 13, 2010.
• "1792 Kentucky Constitution" (PDF). Commonwealth of Kentucky. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 13, 2010. Retrieved July 13, 2010.
• "1799 Kentucky Constitution" (PDF). Commonwealth of Kentucky. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 13, 2010. Retrieved July 13, 2010.
• "1850 Kentucky Constitution" (PDF). Commonwealth of Kentucky. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 13, 2010. Retrieved July 13, 2010.

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. ^ "Isaac Shelby". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
20. "Carlisle, June 20". Aurora General Advertiser. June 30, 1792. p. 3. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
21. ^ Kallenbach 1977, pp. 205–208.
22. Sobel 1978, pp. 508–509.
23. "James Garrard". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
24. "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.
25. "1799 Ky. Const. art. III, § 3". www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
26. Sobel 1978, p. 509.
27. "Christopher Greenup". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
28. Sobel 1978, p. 510.
29. "Charles Scott". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
30. Sobel 1978, pp. 510–511.
31. "George Madison". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
32. "Governor Madison". Kentucky Gazette. September 9, 1816. p. 3. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
33. Sobel 1978, pp. 511–512.
34. "Gabriel Slaughter". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
35. "Oaths of the Governor". The Argus of Western America. September 3, 1828. p. 2. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
36. Sobel 1978, pp. 512–513.
37. "John Adair". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
38. "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.
39. "Kentucky Election". Gettysburg Compiler. October 11, 1820. p. 1. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
40. Sobel 1978, pp. 513–514.
41. "Joseph Desha". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
42. "Kentucky". The Charleston Daily Courier. September 17, 1824. p. 2. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
43. ^ Sobel 1978, p. 514.
44. "Thomas Metcalfe". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
45. "The Inauguration". Anti-Jackson Bulletin and Messenger of Truth. August 30, 1828. p. 3. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
46. Kallenbach 1977, p. 206.
47. Kallenbach 1977, p. 209.
48. Glashan 1979, p. 108.
49. Dubin 2003, p. 1828.
50. Sobel 1978, p. 515.
51. "John Breathitt". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
52. Dubin 2003, p. 29.
53. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 515–516.
54. "James Turner Morehead". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
55. "Death of Gov. Breathitt". The Pittsburgh Gazette. March 5, 1834. p. 2. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
56. Glashan 1979, p. 104.
57. Sobel 1978, pp. 516–517.
58. "James Clark". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
59. "Governor Clark". The Courier-Journal. September 3, 1836. p. 2. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
60. Dubin 2003, p. 74.
61. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 517–518.
62. "Charles Anderson Wickliffe". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
63. "Death of the Governor of Kentucky". Kentucky Gazette. August 29, 1839. p. 2. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
64. Sobel 1978, p. 518.
65. "Robert Perkins Letcher". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
66. "New of the Week". The Native American. September 19, 1840. p. 3. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
67. Dubin 2003, p. 75.
68. Sobel 1978, p. 519.
69. "William Owsley". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
70. "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.
71. Dubin 2003, p. 76.
72. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 519–520.
73. "John Jordan Crittenden". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
74. "Inauguration Day". The Louisville Daily Courier. September 9, 1848. p. 3. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
75. ^ Dubin 2003, p. 77.
76. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 520–521.
77. ^ "John Larue Helm". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
78. "Resignation of Governor Crittenden". The Courier-Journal. July 31, 1850. p. 3. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
79. Sobel 1978, pp. 521–522.
80. "Lazarus Whitehead Powell". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
81. "Inauguration of the Governor and Lieut. Governor". The Courier-Journal. September 3, 1851. p. 3. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
82. "1850 Ky. Const. art. III, § 3". www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
83. Sobel 1978, pp. 522–523.
84. "Charles Slaughter Morehead". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
85. "The Inauguration Ceremonies". The Louisville Daily Courier. September 6, 1855. p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
86. Dubin 2003, p. 78.
87. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 523–524.
88. "Beriah Magoffin". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
89. "The Inauguration of Magoffin". The Louisville Daily Courier. August 31, 1859. p. 2. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
90. Dubin 2003, p. 79.
91. Sobel 1978, pp. 524–525.
92. "James Fisher Robinson". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
93. "Kentucky Legislature". The Courier-Journal. August 19, 1862. p. 3. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
94. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 525–526.
95. "Thomas Elliott Bramlette". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
96. "The Inauguration of Gov. Bramlette". Maysville Weekly Bulletin. September 3, 1863. p. 3. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
97. "Inauguration of Gov. Helm". The Owensboro Monitor. September 4, 1867. p. 2. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
98. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 526–527.
99. "John White Stevenson". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
100. "The Death of Governor Helm". The Courier-Journal. September 9, 1867. p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
101. Sobel 1978, p. 527.
102. "Preston Hopkins Leslie". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
103. "Kentucky Legislature". Kentucky Advocate. February 17, 1871. p. 2. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
104. ^ Sobel 1978, p. 528.
105. ^ "James Bennett McCreary". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
106. "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...
107. Sobel 1978, p. 529.
108. "Luke Pryor Blackburn". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
109. "The Inauguration". Interior Journal. September 5, 1879. p. 2. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
110. Sobel 1978, pp. 529–530.
111. "James Proctor Knott". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
112. "Kentucky's New Governor". Kentucky Advocate. September 7, 1883. p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
113. Sobel 1978, pp. 530–531.
114. "Simon Bolivar Buckner". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
115. "Gov. Buckner". The Courier-Journal. August 31, 1887. p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
116. Sobel 1978, pp. 531–532.
117. "John Young Brown Sr". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
118. "The New Rung In, the Old Rung Out at Frankfort". Lexington Herald-Leader. September 1, 1891. p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
119. Sobel 1978, pp. 532–533.
120. "William O. Bradley". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
121. "Gov. W. O. Bradley". Lexington Herald-Leader. December 10, 1895. p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
122. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 533–534.
123. "William Sylvester Taylor". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
124. "Wm. Sylvester Taylor, Governor of Kentucky". Lexington Herald-Leader. Associated Press. December 12, 1899. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
125. ^ Sobel 1978, p. 534.
126. "William Goebel". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
127. "Solemn Scene Was the Inauguration of William Goebel As Governor". The Courier-Journal. February 1, 1900. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
128. Sobel 1978, pp. 535–536.
129. "John Crepps Wickliffe Beckham". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
130. "Beckham Sworn In". Lexington Herald-Leader. Associated Press. February 4, 1900. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
131. Sobel 1978, pp. 536–537.
132. "Augustus Everett Willson". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
133. "Willson Sworn In and Declares He Will Uphold Law". The Lexington Herald. December 11, 1907. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
134. "Second Oath As Governor". The Courier-Journal. December 13, 1911. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
135. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 537–538.
136. "Augustus Owsley Stanley". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
137. Kaltenbacher, Will S. (December 8, 1915). "Stanley Dedicates Himself to State's Service Amid Cheers". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
138. Sobel 1978, p. 538.
139. "James Dixon Black". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
140. "Black Becomes 41st Governor". The Courier-Journal. May 20, 1919. p. 3. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
141. Sobel 1978, p. 539.
142. "Edwin Porch Morrow". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
143. Perry, Claud W. (December 10, 1919). "E. P. Morrow Is Sworn In As Governor". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
144. Sobel 1978, pp. 539–540.
145. "William Jason Fields". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
146. Briney, Russell (December 12, 1923). "Fields Assumes Duties As Governor". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
147. Sobel 1978, pp. 540–541.
148. "Flem Davis Sampson". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
149. Michler, George (December 14, 1927). "10,000 Watch Ceremonies in Frankfort". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
150. Sobel 1978, pp. 541–542.
151. "Ruby Laffoon". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
152. 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.
153. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 542–543.
154. ^ "Albert Benjamin Chandler". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
155. Henderson, J. Howard (December 11, 1935). "Chandler Sworn As Governor". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
156. Sobel 1978, pp. 543–544.
157. "Keen Johnson". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
158. "Chandler Resigns, Is Named Senator". The Lexington Herald. Associated Press. October 10, 1939. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
159. Sobel 1978, pp. 544–545.
160. "Simeon Slavens Willis". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
161. Trout, Allan M. (December 8, 1943). "6,000 See Wills Inaugurated Governor Amid Fanfare". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
162. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 545–546.
163. "Earle Chester Clements". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
164. Morris, Hugh (December 10, 1947). "Clements Asks Kentuckian's Unselfish Aid". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
165. Sobel 1978, pp. 546–547.
166. "Lawrence Winchester Wetherby". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
167. 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.
168. Morris, Hugh (December 14, 1955). "Big Parade Delays Oath Rites". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
169. Sobel 1978, pp. 547–548.
170. "Bert Thomas Combs". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
171. Morris, Hugh (December 9, 1959). "Ceremony Held Under Clear Skies". The Courier-Journal. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
172. Sobel 1978, p. 548.
173. "Edward Thompson Breathitt". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
174. Patterson, Malcolm (December 11, 1963). "ETB, Waterfield Take Official Oath Just After Midnight". The Lexington Herald. p. 1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
175. Sobel 1978, pp. 549–550.
176. "Louie Broady Nunn". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
177. Morris, Hugh (December 13, 1967). "Nunn and Ford Pledge Cooperation". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
178. ^ Sobel 1978, p. 550.
179. "Wendell Hampton Ford". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
180. Billiter, Bill (December 8, 1971). "Ford Pledges 'Service to the People'". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
181. Sobel 1978, p. 551.
182. "Julian Morton Carroll". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
183. Wilson, Richard (December 29, 1974). "Julian Carroll Takes the Oath As Kentucky's 50th Governor". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
184. ^ "John Y. Brown Jr". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
185. Johnson, Bob (December 12, 1979). "Brown Calls for Idealism As He Takes Oath of Office". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
186. ^ "Martha Layne Collins". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
187. Johnson, Bob (December 14, 1983). "Gov. Collins Vows To Put Kentucky First". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
188. ^ "Wallace G. Wilkinson". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
189. Johnson, Bob (December 9, 1987). "Wilkinson Promises Opportunity, Hope". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
190. ^ "Brereton C. Jones". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
191. Wolfe, Charles (December 11, 1991). "Oath More Fun the Second Time". The Paducah Sun. Associated Press. p. 12A. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
192. "Ky. Const. § 71". www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
193. ^ "Paul E. Patton". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
194. Cross, Al (December 13, 1995). "No Retreat From School Reform, He Vows at Inaugural". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
195. ^ "Ernie Fletcher". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
196. Loftus, Tom; Cross, Al (December 10, 2003). "Fletcher Vows a 'New Unity'". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
197. ^ "Steven L. Beshear". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
198. Loftus, Tom; Gerth, Joseph (December 12, 2007). "Beshear Era Begins". The Courier-Journal. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
199. ^ "Matt Bevin". National Governors Association. December 8, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
200. Gerth, Joseph (December 9, 2015). "Bevin Sworn In". The Courier-Journal. p. 1A. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
201. ^ "Andy Beshear". National Governors Association. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
202. Schreiner, Bruce (December 11, 2019). "New Governor Reorganizes State Board of Education". Messenger-Inquirer. Associated Press. p. A1. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
203. Bowman, Bridget (November 8, 2023). "Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear wins re-election in Kentucky". NBC News. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
204. 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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