The 1991 Kentucky gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1991. Incumbent Governor Wallace Wilkinson was not eligible to seek a second term due to term limits established by the Kentucky Constitution, creating an open seat. At the time, Kentucky was one of two states, along with Virginia, which prohibited its governors from serving immediate successive terms. The Democratic nominee, Lieutenant Governor Brereton Jones, defeated Republican nominee and U.S. Congressman Larry J. Hopkins to win a term as governor.

Democratic primary

Candidates

  • Brereton Jones, Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky
  • Scotty Baesler, Mayor of Lexington
  • Floyd G. Poore, physician
  • Gatewood Galbraith, perennial candidate

Withdrew

  • Martha Wilkinson, First Lady of Kentucky & wife of Governor Wallace Wilkinson (endorsed Baesler)

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

  • Larry J. Hopkins, U.S. Representative
  • Larry Forgy, counsel to Governor Louie B. Nunn

Results

General election

Results

References


1991 Kentucky gubernatorial election Wikipedia

GOP wins Kentucky governor’s race in top state election PBS NewsHour

CategoryElection maps of Kentucky Wikimedia Commons

2019 Kentucky gubernatorial election Wikipedia

KY gubernatorial candidates stay on message in final stretch of race