Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway announced his plan to run for governor on Tuesday, WLKY-TV reported.
His running mate is State Rep. Sannie Overly of Bourbon County.
"Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and continue to move Kentucky forward, and we begin doing that by building a great team.The strength of this gubernatorial ticket is bolstered by Rep. Sannie Overly's record of accomplishments," he says in a campaign video.
Conway, who has been governor since 2008, is the first Democrat to announce his candidacy.
Overly, elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 2008, was the first female in the state's history to be elected as Caucus Chair by House Democrats.
"As governor, Jack will fight for better jobs, to fix our schools, and to help our families confront the economic struggles they face every day," Overly said in a statement. "Jack has refused to back down from the toughest fights and he has won. Together, we will work hard to build Kentucky's future."
According to a press release, Nathan Smith, former vice-chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party, will serve as the campaign and Rep. Leslie Combs (D-Pikeville) will serve as an honorary campaign chair.
The Conway campaign will host a press conference in Frankfort later Tuesday.
As for the Kentucky GOP, Republican Hal Heiner, former president of the Louisville Metro Council, already announced he will run for governor next year. His running mate is K.C. Crosbie, former urban-county council member.
