High-profile governor to visit Lexington for annual Kentucky Democratic fundraiser

Christopher Leach, Lexington Herald-Leader on May 26, 2026

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LEXINGTON, Ky. — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will visit Lexington later this summer for the Kentucky Democratic Party’s Forward Together Dinner, the political party announced Tuesday morning.

The dinner, taking place Aug. 15 at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington, is the party’s largest annual fundraiser. Whitmer will be the keynote speaker.

“We are honored to provide a platform where Kentucky Democrats can hear Governor Whitmer’s plan to build on a growing blue wave,” Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge said in a news release. “As Republicans openly admit they don’t care about your financial situation, Americans are looking for strong leaders like her and Governor Beshear.”

Whitmer, who also serves as the vice chair for the Democratic Governors Association, recently attended the Kentucky Derby as a guest to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear along with other Democratic governors.

Beshear, who chairs the DGA, also attended the Michigan Democratic Party’s largest annual fundraiser in April.

“Governor Whitmer has spent her two terms in office helping working families get ahead,” Beshear said in a news release. “She has expanded access to healthcare for nearly 1 million Michiganders, closed a $2.2 billion budget deficit and increased public school funding — without raising taxes.

“Who your governor is has never mattered more and, with 36 races for governor on the ballot this year, I am proud to be working with Gretchen to make sure Americans have leaders focused on the issues that matter most to our families.”

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin was the keynote speaker of last year’s Forward Together Dinner.