KY’s Jacqueline Coleman to chair National Lieutenant Governors group in 2026-27

Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman was chosen as chair-elect of the National Lieutenant Governors Association for the 2025-2026 year during its annual meeting, her office announced Tuesday.

Coleman will take over as 2026-2027 chair of the organization during its annual meeting next year.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as chair-elect and contribute Kentucky’s perspective to the important conversations ahead,” Coleman said.

The NLGA was formed in 1962 as the official association for the elected officials who are the first in line to succeed governors.

A Kentuckian — Stephen Henry, lieutenant governor under Paul Patton, a Democrat — last served as chair of the group in 2000-2001. Two other former Kentucky lieutenant governors have held the role: Martha Layne Collins was chair for the 1982-1983 year, and Harry Lee Waterfield was the fifth person to chair the group, serving in 1966-1967.

Coleman has advocated for public education and youth mental health during her time in office. She’s also believed to be eyeing a run for governor in 2027, when Gov. Andy Beshear is term-limited.

“It’s a privilege to join fellow lieutenant governors in a spirit of bipartisan collaboration to tackle the challenges our states face,” Coleman said in a statement.