2007 Kentucky gubernatorial election

In this election, incumbent Republican governor Ernie Fletcher ran for reelection to a second term, but was soundly defeated by Democratic challenger Steve Beshear.

An investigation by Greg Stumbo, the attorney general of Kentucky, and a special grand jury led to the indictment of 13 Fletcher administration officials.

Former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup, who had lost reelection in 2006, and Paducah businessman Billy Harper challenged Fletcher in the Republican primary.

Louisville businessman Bruce Lunsford spent over five million dollars, most of it being his own money, in the campaign, and picked Stumbo as his running mate for lieutenant governor.

Given the crowded field, many believed a runoff election was likely between the top two finishers — which polls suggested would be Beshear and Lunsford — if no candidate was able to obtain at least 40% of the vote.

Primary results by county:
Beshear
  • Beshear—80-90%
  • Beshear—70-80%
  • Beshear—60-70%
  • Beshear—50-60%
  • Beshear—40-50%
  • Beshear—30-40%
  • Beshear—20-30%
Lunsford
  • Lunsford—60-70%
  • Lunsford—50-60%
  • Lunsford—40-50%
  • Lunsford—30-40%
Henry
  • Henry—50-60%
  • Henry—40-50%
  • Henry—30-40%
Richards
  • Richards—60-70%
  • Richards—50-60%
  • Richards—40-50%
  • Richards—30-40%
  • Richards—20-30%
Galbraith
  • Galbraith—30-40%
Primary results by county:
Fletcher
  • 40–50%
  • 50–60%
  • 60–70%
  • 70–80%
  • 80–90%
Northup
  • 40–50%
  • 50–60%
  • 60–70%
  • 70–80%
Harper
  • 50–60%