The Governors of Kentucky are the elected leaders of the U.S. state of Kentucky. They serve four-year terms and are responsible for enforcing state laws, overseeing the executive branch, and managing the state budget. The governor also has the power to veto legislation and appoint officials to various state positions. Since its statehood in 1792, Kentucky has had a diverse range of governors from different political parties, including the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Notable governors include Happy Chandler, who served during the 1930s and 1940s, and Mitch McConnell, who later became a prominent U.S. Senator.