FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky has officially reelected Gov. Andy Beshear for a second term, which has people wondering: how many terms can a governor legally serve the Commonwealth?
Kentucky term limit laws
While many states have strict term limits for governors, Kentucky is one of 26 U.S. states that allow governors to serve an endless number of four-year terms.
The only stipulation in Kentucky is a governor can't run for more than two consecutive terms. If a two-term governor wants to run a third time, they must wait at least one election cycle before they can run for governor once again.
Kentucky has had a total of 59 people serve as governor. Until 1992, governors were not allowed to succeed themselves after serving one term.
Since then, only three men - all Democrats - have been re-elected for a second term in the Commonwealth; Paul E. Patton, Steve Beshear and Andy Beshear.
Four men have served two non-consecutive terms as governor.
Kentucky's current governor, Andy Beshear, is the first child of a previous governor to be elected to the office.
Since Gov. Beshear is starting his second term in 2024, he will not be able to run for Kentucky governor again until 2031.
Kentucky is one of only five states that holds its gubernatorial election in odd-numbered years.
RELATED: BESHEAR WINS! | Voters send current Kentucky governor back to Frankfort to serve second term
Indiana term limit laws
Indiana's governor term limit laws are truly unique, only one other U.S. state has the same gubernatorial term limits.
An Indiana governor can serve eight out of any 12 years. Oregon is the only other state with the same regulations.
The current Indiana governor is Eric Holcomb. He took office in 2017, therefore, he will have to sit out the 2024 gubernatorial election.
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