Rocky Adkins speaks with Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams before the State of the Commonwealth address at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort, Kentucky, on Jan. 7, 2026. Photo by Arden Barnes for the Kentucky Lantern
Rocky Adkins, a former Kentucky Democratic House floor leader, has left his post with Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration.
Adkins was serving as the governor’s senior adviser. His last day was Friday, July 10, a press release from the governor’s office said.
“Rocky has been an invaluable part of Team Kentucky and our success, and I am grateful to him for his leadership and his friendship,” Beshear said. “Every day, Rocky shows up ready to serve the people of our commonwealth, and I know his commitment to public service will continue to drive him in this next chapter. I wish him, Leah and their family all the best.”
Adkins is a rumored candidate for Kentucky’s upcoming governor’s race, though he has not formally announced his plans so far. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, also a Democrat, is the only candidate to have launched her campaign. Beshear is term-limited.
Lexington’s FOX 56 TV station reported Sunday night Adkins is planning events to launch a campaign next week.
“It’s been a tremendous honor working with Gov. Beshear and his team through unprecedented challenges, while also celebrating historic economic investments and record-breaking new jobs at the highest wages in Kentucky history,” Adkins said in the governor’s office press release. “I’ve committed my career to public service. From working at different levels in the legislature to now the executive branch, these experiences have helped me support families across our commonwealth, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Beshear appointed Adkins as his senior adviser in 2019. In that gubernatorial election, they had faced off in the primary. The governor’s office said Adkins “played a key role” in responding to the coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters, including 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods, as well as creating jobs.
Adkins, of Sandy Hook, represented the 99th House District, in Eastern Kentucky from 1987 to 2019.
Beshear’s office said Ray Perry, the deputy secretary of the governor’s executive cabinet, will move to the senior adviser role.
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Courtesy of Kentucky Lantern
