Rocky Adkins, once a pro-life Democrat, ‘evolves’ on abortion

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rocky Adkins touted Gov. Andy Beshear's economic record and took aim at Republican U.S. Rep. James Comer at the 146th Fancy Farm Picnic on Aug. 1, the traditional kickoff to Kentucky's political season and a fundraiser for St. Jerome Catholic Church in Graves County.

The picnic, which dates to 1880, has long drawn candidates for its rowdy stump speeches, though organizers typically reserve speaking slots for officeholders or candidates representing Western Kentucky. They made an exception for Adkins, a Baptist from the state's eastern end, citing his fundraising and name recognition with the primary less than a year away.

When it comes to issues that Catholics are concerned about, Adkins told the Lexington Herald Leader in an Aug. 19 interview that he had “evolved” on the issue of abortion, despite being a part of the state Pro-Life Caucus for years and voting for three bills that restricted abortion in Kentucky in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision. 

“We have one of the most restrictive laws on reproductive rights in the country,” Adkins told the outlet, “and I believe that the law should be changed to include flexibility and exceptions in the law that would allow women to be able to make decisions with their doctor and with their family and with their faith.”

Adkins, 66, represented Kentucky's 99th House District for 32 years, rising to majority floor leader before Republicans took control of the chamber in 2017. He served as Beshear's senior adviser from 2019 until stepping down July 10, then launched his campaign July 21 against Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman in next May's Democratic primary. When she was selected in 2019 as lieutenant governor by Beshear, Coleman also flipped her position on abortion. 

Within weeks of launching, Adkins’ campaign announced it had raised more than $1 million, according to the Lexington Herald Leader. A search of available campaign finance reporting from the state showed the campaign reporting zero contributions and expenses as of July 15, the next report is not due until Oct. 9.  

Adkins and Coleman will most likely be running for governor against Comer, who received a surprise endorsement at the picnic from Republican Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams, who was expected to throw his hat in the ring. 

Comer is a strong supporter of pro-life legislation, supports marriage between a man and a woman, and has voted for a ban on male athletes participating in female sports.