LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Spectrum News 1, in partnership with the Jefferson County Republican Party, will host the Republican debate for Kentucky governor live Tuesday, March 7.
Candidates Daniel Cameron, Mike Harmon, Alan Keck and Ryan Quarles are each taking part in the hour-long event. Here's how you can watch.
What You Need To Know
- Spectrum News 1 is hosting a Republican debate for Kentucky governor on Tuesday, March 7
- Mario Anderson will moderate the debate between candidates Daniel Cameron, Mike Harmon, Alan Keck and Ryan Quarles
- The four candidates lead the crowded field of Republicans hoping to unseat Gov. Andy Beshear in November
- Former U.N. Ambassador Kelly Craft declined to take part in the debate
Meet the candidates
Alan Keck — Mayor of Somerset
Alan Keck is the mayor of Somerset, in Pulaski County, just south of Berea. He was first elected in 2018 and was just re-elected last year.
He boasts a “comprehensive, commonplace” platform to advance Kentucky’s economy, public safety and education. Keck has worked as a business executive, according to BallotPedia.
On his campaign’s Facebook page, he often posts roundtable discussions with younger voters to detail his so-called “Game Plan for Kentucky.”
Daniel Cameron — Kentucky Attorney General
Daniel Cameron took office as Kentucky’s Attorney General in 2020, the first African American and first Republican since 1943, to be elected to the office.
Combatting human trafficking and the opioid epidemic have long been key tenants of Cameron’s agenda. He recently launched Operation Fight Fentanyl to hear from communities on how to remedy the drug crisis.
Cameron’s name is also deeply connected to Breonna Taylor, a Black woman whose fatal shooting contributed to the racial justice protests that rocked the U.S. in the spring and summer of 2020.
The deadly no-knock drug raid on Taylor’s apartment—a probe around which has led to federal charges of conspiracy, obstruction of justice and civil rights violations—ignited racial justice protests in Kentucky and beyond. In a state probe of the shooting, Cameron brought no charges directly related to Taylor’s death to a grand jury.
Cameron earned the endorsement of former president Donald Trump shortly after announcing his candidacy.
Mike Harmon — Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts
Harmon served as a state representative from 2002 to 2015. Currently in office as State Auditor, he’s term-limited as he runs for governor.
Harmon often touts his reputation as a fiscal conservative and government watchdog on the campaign trail.
A frequent speaker at Fancy Farm picnics for several years, he’s been something of a mainstay in Kentucky politics, sharing a ticket with Phil Moffett in 2011, where they placed second in the primary.
Ryan Quarles — Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture
Like Harmon, Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles is another term-limited statewide officeholder seeking higher office in May.
Quarles served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 2010 to 2015, before resigning once he was elected Commissioner of Agriculture.
Quarles called himself “pro-life” and “pro-gun” during his launch speech, staking out traditional Republican views on abortion and gun laws. With abortion, Quarles said he wants to see more resources dedicated to Kentucky’s adoption and foster care systems.
He often boasts his flurry of endorsements, which includes several judge-executives, county magistrates and city council members from around the state.