Former Kentucky Governor Martha Lane Collins Passes Away at 88

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Martha Lane Collins, the first and only woman to be elected governor of Kentucky, died on Saturday at the age of 88.

Collins is perhaps best remembered for her pivotal role in bringing the large Toyota assembly plant to the state. This facility, significant during its time, became a cornerstone of the Democratic Party’s approach to economic development. Additionally, she dedicated years to reforming Kentucky’s public education system.

Reflecting on her priorities as governor, Collins once shared, “When I became governor, I had a lot of priorities, but when I sat down and thought about it, the first thing I had to start with was always education.” In a 1992 interview at the University of Kentucky, she expressed a sense of accomplishment regarding educational impacts and job creation, hoping that Kentuckians felt the same.

Collins held the governor’s office from 1983 to 1987, during a time when governors were limited to a single term.

Current Governor Andy Beshear’s office acknowledged her passing, describing her as a “powerhouse” and a “remarkable woman who made undeniable change.”

Kentucky’s Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman, who is a father of two daughters, expressed his admiration for Collins’ contributions, stating she broke the glass ceiling and demonstrated that there are no limits in the commonwealth.

In the summer of 1984, Collins rose to national prominence when she served as the chair of the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco. She was even considered as a running mate by then-presidential candidate Walter F. Mondale, although he ultimately selected Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro from New York.

However, her time in office was not without controversy. Dark clouds loomed over her administration when her husband’s financial activities led to a scandal, culminating in Collins’ indictment in July 1992.

During her husband’s trial, Collins testified, asserting that she was unaware of her husband’s misuse of her office and the appointments of several campaign loyalists to significant positions. She claimed not to have known that their joint financial worth had surged by 700% during his time in office.

“He was doing his job and I was running the government,” she stated.

Ultimately, Bill Collins was convicted in 1993 for extorting money from underwriters involved in state bond issues.

At a significant ceremony for the Toyota plant in 1986, Collins remarked that Kentucky “has entered a new era of greater connection to the global economy.” The state triumphed over others in a competitive bid for the plant, which cost $800 million and created 2,500 jobs for Camry assembly. The arrival of parts suppliers and other automakers followed.

While Collins’ administration estimated state incentives to the Japanese firm at $125 million—including the purchase and development of the plant site—some critics argue that the actual financial burden surpassed $300 million due to necessary debt repayments. A Kentucky Supreme Court ruling clarified that “giving away” land to private entities didn’t violate the state constitution.

Born in Baghdad, a small town in Shelby County, Collins seemed on track for a typical Midwestern life before stepping into politics. Originally Martha Lane Hall, she was the daughter of an undertaker, briefly pursued beauty pageantry, graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1959, and taught middle school while her husband practiced dentistry.

She immersed herself in Democratic politics, learning the ins and outs of school district operations before joining the state Democratic Party in Frankfort. In 1975, she was elected to her first office as clerk of the Court of Appeals. Four years later, she garnered the nomination for lieutenant governor, surprising many in her party. Given the weakened state of the Republican Party at that time, her election victory was all but secured.

Though the lieutenant governor role was limited in function, Collins became known for cutting ribbons as her husband and others funded and organized efforts to advance her political career.

Steve Collins, her son, opted not to comment immediately but mentioned he would have more to share in the future, stating that arrangements are still underway.