Comer won't run for governor; will endorse unnamed candidate

Kentucky congressman James Comer said he won't be in the running for governor in 2023.
  
“No, no zero chance," Comer said. "I'm looking very forward to going back to Washington and being the next chairman of the House Oversight Committee.” 

Comer currently is the ranking member of the committee, and would be in line to chair the committee should Republicans take control of the House. 

Comer told WHOP in Hopkinsville on Friday that he believes the top two contenders for the Republican nomination will be a surprise.   

“I will endorse someone in the GOP primary. They haven't gotten in the race yet. They're still making calls and doing everything to set the race up. I tell people I think you should keep your powder dry because I think probably who will end up being the top two candidates haven't even filed yet.” 

Nine eager candidates have already thrown their hat in the ring, with the entry deadline still seven months away. They include Attorney General Daniel Cameron, Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, and State Auditor Mike Harmon.

Political pundits say the huge early interest is a sign of success for the GOP in Kentucky, and that the party is 
very confident of unseating Democratic governor Beshear and locking down the office for eight years.