Republican secretary of state wins JFK Profile in Courage Award for standing up against election denialism.
Kentucky Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his outstanding efforts in expanding early voting and defending free and fair elections despite opposition from within his own party.
The announcement of Adams’ selection was made on a Monday by the JFK Library Foundation, where he was acknowledged for his commitment to expanding voting rights and standing up against election denialism, even in the face of death threats from those who deny the legitimacy of elections.
Adams’ primary focus has been to make voting easy and cheating difficult, in line with his policy objective to ensure fair and accessible elections. He played a pivotal role in a bipartisan initiative with Democratic Governor Andy Beshear that led to the passage of legislation in 2021 allowing for three days of no-excuse early in-person voting, including a Saturday, prior to Election Day. This move was hailed as the most significant update to Kentucky’s election laws in over a hundred years, with approximately one-fifth of voters participating in last year’s statewide election during these three days of early voting.
As the Secretary of State for Kentucky, Adams has vigorously refuted baseless claims of election fraud and rigged elections, condemning those who spread misinformation as “cranks and kooks.” In a 2022 interview, he dismissed allegations of election hacking as “hogwash,” emphasizing that Kentucky’s elections have never been compromised.
Adams, a native of Kentucky and a graduate of Harvard Law School, expressed his gratitude for being recognized with the Profile in Courage Award, attributing his dedication to upholding election integrity to Kennedy’s timeless appeal to prioritize the nation’s interests above personal gain.
Following the 2020 presidential election, Adams joined a coalition of Republican officials committed to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and supporting election workers. Recognizing the critical importance of reinforcing the public’s trust in the election system, especially in the lead-up to the next presidential election, Adams stressed the imperative for Republicans to stand united in defense of the democratic process.
Despite persistent false claims propagated by former President Donald Trump about election rigging, Adams remains resolute in his defense of the election system’s credibility, advocating for GOP officials to dispel doubts and encourage voter participation in the upcoming elections.
As a potential gubernatorial candidate in 2027, when term limits will preclude him and Governor Beshear from seeking reelection, Adams continues to champion the cause of election integrity and democratic principles, poised to lead Kentucky forward in upholding the legacy of courage and public service exemplified by President Kennedy.
The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, presented by honorary Foundation President Caroline Kennedy and her son, Jack Schlossberg, will be conferred upon Adams on June 9 at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston. This prestigious accolade, inspired by President Kennedy’s seminal work “Profiles in Courage,” celebrates individuals who demonstrate unwavering integrity and moral courage in the face of adversity, joining a distinguished list of past honorees that includes former U.S. presidents Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
