House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) hasn't said he's running for governor, but a new poll suggests any potential field may not be able to catch him.
A new survey from Axis Research shows the Kentucky congressman holding a 32-point lead over Kentucky Secretary of State Mike Adams in a hypothetical 2027 Republican primary — 46% to 14%, with 38% undecided. The poll surveyed 407 likely GOP primary voters between April 19-21 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 points.
The numbers get more lopsided when you look at the voters most likely to actually show up. Among Republicans who voted in all four of the last four primaries, Comer's lead stretches to 37 points, 51% to 14%. He leads across every region of the state, every age group, and with both men by 35 points and women by 27.
Even in the state's first congressional district, the western Kentucky turf both men share, Comer leads Adams 70% to 14%.
And he may not even be close to his ceiling yet. Axis Research notes that 40% of Adams' own supporters and 55% of undecided voters still don't know who Comer is — meaning his numbers could climb as the race takes shape.
Comer would be running to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear in a state that has moved sharply toward Republicans in recent years.
