Hardin Files to Run for Kentucky Governor
Commonwealth's Attorney Rick Hardin becomes the first to officially file a 2027 gubernatorial candidacy, as a Republican.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Political Parties
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Rick Hardin, Commonwealth's Attorney for Kentucky's 46th Judicial Circuit, filed to run for governor in 2027. A representative from the Kentucky Secretary of State's office confirmed the filing, making Hardin the first person to officially file for the race.
Why it matters
Hardin's filing opens the Republican field for Kentucky's 2027 governor election early. Because he is the first official filer, his candidacy sets the initial shape of the contest for voters across the state.
The Secretary of State's office confirmed the filing, which makes Hardin the first official candidate on record for the 2027 race. Hardin has practiced law for 11 years and has served as commonwealth's attorney since his 2018 election, while the field of rival candidates remains unknown.
The players
Rick Hardin
Rick Hardin is a Republican lawyer who has served as Commonwealth's Attorney for Kentucky's 46th Judicial Circuit since being elected in 2018.
Kentucky Secretary of State's office
The Kentucky Secretary of State's office is the state agency that oversees candidate filings and elections in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
The details
Hardin announced his candidacy in a news release, and the Kentucky Secretary of State's office confirmed the filing. He is running as a Republican and serves the 46th Judicial Circuit, which covers Breckinridge, Grayson and Meade Counties.
Timeline
2018: Hardin is elected commonwealth's attorney.
November 6, 2026: Hardin announces and files his gubernatorial run.
2027: Kentucky holds its governor election.
Political Context
Hardin's early filing follows Kentucky's standard procedure for statewide candidates, which the Secretary of State's office administers for each election cycle. Opposition or rival entries will shape the race only once other Republicans and Democrats file under the same process.
Voters following the 2027 Kentucky governor race can track candidate filings through the Secretary of State's office. Hardin's entry means Republican primary voters will have at least one declared option before other candidates announce.
The takeaway
Early filings like Hardin's show how candidates position themselves before the field forms. Readers can follow official filings through the state's election records to see who else enters the race.
Further reading
For more on the party landscape, see Political Parties coverage across Kentucky.
Live Poll
Should Kentucky eliminate state income and property taxes?
