Republican state Sen. Ralph Alvarado is considering a bid for the GOP nomination in next year’s gubernatorial primary, multiple sources say.
The physician from Winchester, Kentucky, is no stranger to statewide political races, he ran with Gov. Matt Bevin as his pick for lt. governor in the 2019 loss to current Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Kentucky.
Alvarado’s entrance into the GOP primary race could congest the number of contenders hailing from Central Kentucky. Former UN Ambassador Kelly Craft said again this week that she is “leaning heavily” towards a gubernatorial race, she lives in Lexington, Kentucky. Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles is also considering the race for governor and also lives in Big Blue Nation territory.
The state Senator could also tie himself to former President Donald Trump who is still popular in Kentucky. Alvarado spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention urging Hispanics to vote for Trump. The 51-year old was born to immigrant parents, his father is Costa Rican and his mother is Argentinian.
He was first elected in 2014 to the state Senate defeating Senate Democratic Leader R.J. Palmer. Alvarado is the first Hispanic American to be elected to the Kentucky General Assembly.
Alvarado did not return a call from KFP seeking comment on Friday.
Other potential candidates include Rep. Savannah Maddox, Somerset Mayor Alan Keck, Sen. Max Wise, and former Gov. Matt Bevin. State Auditor Mike Harmon has declared his intent to run in the race.
