Dr. Ryan Quarles.
(National Association of State Departments of Agriculture)
GLASGOW — Dr. Ryan Quarles, a Republican candidate for governor in Kentucky, spoke with WCLU News ahead of a visit to Barren County on Tuesday. Here’s what we learned.
Quarles, a Scott County native, was elected as the state’s Commissioner of Agriculture in 2015 and later re-elected in 2019. He won 117 of 120 counties in Kentucky, according to his campaign website.
Quarles plans to visit Barren County for a campaign fundraiser in Hiseville on Tuesday evening. Tim and Cherri Coomer are hosting the event alongside a slew of locals, according to an invitation mailed to various voters.
He boasts a spot as one of the top contenders in a crowded pool of 12 GOP candidates on this spring’s primary election ballot. Other top contenders include Kelly Craft, former ambassador to the United Nations under President Donald Trump, and Daniel Cameron, the state’s attorney general.
“We’re focusing on crisscrossing the state and gathering up as much grass roots support as possible,” Quarles said. “I believe that we’ve done a pretty decent job as Commissioner of Agriculture. If we can do what we’ve done at the Department of Ag for the rest of state government, we’re going to be in pretty great shape.”
Quarles said he has connected with rural Kentuckians over the last eight years as Commissioner of Agriculture. He outlined plans to connect rural Kentuckians to the rest of the state and world through promoting access to high speed internet, healthcare and vocational trades and jobs.
“I’ve been there for you in the past. I’m there for you now,” Quarles said. “I’m going to be there for you as governor. I’m not going to forget about rural Kentucky.”
He also detailed his frustrations with incumbent Gov. Andy Beshear (D). He said he wants to promote unity rather than “runs to the nearest courthouse if we have a disagreement.” Beshear’s administration has an active lawsuit filed against Quarles dealing with the Kentucky State Fair board.
