Who was Kentucky's first female governor?

Martha Layne Collins holds the distinction of being Kentucky's first female governor, serving from 1983 to 1987. Her election marked a significant milestone not only for Kentucky but also for women in politics across the United States, as she broke gender barriers in a predominantly male-dominated arena. During her tenure, she focused on a variety of issues, including economic development and education reform.

Other individuals mentioned did not serve as governor of Kentucky. Mary McCracken was notable in her own right, but her contributions came in different contexts, while Judy Tandy and Patricia Smith were influential in their respective areas without having held the role of governor. This highlights the importance of Martha Layne Collins’ role in Kentucky's political history and the strides made toward gender equality in leadership.