(LEX NEWS) — UPDATE: July 21 at 8 a.m.

Rocky Adkins officially announced Tuesday that he is running for governor of Kentucky, launching his campaign with a pledge to "use common sense to build common ground."

“The governor of Kentucky is the last line of defense for the people of this commonwealth,” Adkins said in a press release. “That protection is only as strong as the person behind the desk. Right now, Kentucky needs a governor with the experience, backbone and record to take on these fights and win.”

According to the release, Adkins' campaign will "focus on building a commonwealth that works for everyone by lowering costs, strengthening public schools and health care, protecting workers and organized labor, defending our fundamental freedoms and creating opportunity in every community."

The release added that as a democratic leader in the Kentucky House, Adkins has built relationships across the aisle and stopped "harmful legislation before it could reach the House floor."

“Life is too hard for too many Kentuckians, and it does not have to be that way,” Adkins said. “People are working hard and doing their part. They deserve a government that does its part, too. For the past six years, we have worked to build a government that serves the people. I am running to make sure that work continues.”

Original Story:

Former Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear senior advisor Rocky Adkins has taken the first formal step toward a campaign for governor.

According to the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, Adkins has filed campaign finance paperwork indicating he intends to run for governor. The filing includes a statement of spending intent, stating that he expects to raise or spend more than $5,000 during the election and will file all required campaign finance reports with the Registry.

The filing comes after Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Adkins would depart from his role as senior advisor on Friday, July 10.

Beshear praised Adkins for his service to the administration and to the Commonwealth, thanking him for his work over the past several years.

While filing campaign finance paperwork does not officially place a candidate on the ballot, it is a required step for candidates who plan to raise or spend more than $5,000 in support of a campaign.

Adkins, a former longtime state representative and former Kentucky House Democratic leader, has not yet formally announced his candidacy. However, the campaign finance filing signals preparations for a gubernatorial bid are underway.