FRANKFORT, Ky. — Jacqueline Coleman on Monday announced she is running for governor, becoming the first candidate to enter the race to succeed Andy Beshear.

Coleman, a former teacher, assistant principal and basketball coach, highlighted her background in education and public service, as well as her time in the Beshear administration, in launching her campaign.

In her announcement, Coleman said she has spent the past two years meeting with Kentuckians and emphasized a focus on what she described as “common sense solutions” and issues affecting families, while criticizing political divisions at the national level.

She also pointed to economic gains during the current administration, citing job growth and business investment across the state, and said she would continue to prioritize economic and workforce development if elected.

Coleman framed her candidacy around education and community investment, calling schools “the heart of our communities” and tying them to Kentucky’s economic future.

She has served as lieutenant governor since 2019.