KY Gov. Andy Beshear’s senior adviser leaves his role. What we know
Rocky Adkins, senior adviser for Gov. Andy Beshear, has left his position in the Beshear administration, according to a press release from Monday morning.
Beshear said in the announcement Adkins served his last day Friday and thanked Adkins for helping Kentuckians through challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple natural disasters.
“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 was appointed to senior advisor in 2019 by then-governor-elect Beshear and said in the statement it was a “tremendous honor” to work with Beshear.
Monday’s press release did not say why Adkins was leaving or where he is going.
“I’ve committed my career to public service,” Adkins said. “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.”
Ray Perry, deputy secretary of Beshear’s executive cabinet, will now serve as Beshear’s senior adviser.
Who is Rocky Adkins?
Before working in the Beshear administration, Adkins served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1987 to 2019. He also held various leadership roles, including House Majority Leader and the chamber’s Minority Floor Leader.
Adkins also ran in the 2019 gubernatorial primary but fell short to Beshear in the race. He hasn’t denied interest in running again in the 2027 gubernatorial primary.
While Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman is the only one who’s launched a campaign, Adkins said in April that he is “thinking carefully about what comes next and what’s best for Kentucky and will have more to say when the time is right.”
Emily Ferguson, a spokesperson for Adkins, said in a statement, “Rocky has always answered the call to serve Kentucky,” and “he’ll have more to share about the work ahead in the coming days.”
This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 12:03 PM.
