Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles has announced he’ll enter the state’s 2023 governor’s race. He joins what’s shaping up to be a crowded Republican contest to select a nominee to challenge Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. Quarles is in his second term as agriculture commissioner. He has long been seen as a strong contender, having built up his name recognition across rural Kentucky. He’s planning a June 1 event in Scott County, where he’s from, the lay out his agenda for the state. His entry into the race could signal a flurry of potential announcements in the coming weeks and months.