Crit Luallen

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Crit Luallen (Eugenia Crittenden “Crit” Luallen), born July 21, 1952, in Frankfort, Kentucky, is an American politician from the Democratic Party. She served as the 56th Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky from November 13, 2014, to December 8, 2015, under Governor Steve Beshear. She took over the role after Jerry Abramson and was succeeded by Jenean Hampton.

Luallen previously was Kentucky State Auditor from January 2004 to January 2012. She earned praise for uncovering fraud and helping prosecutors pursue dozens of cases, including many against public officials. She faced and beat cancer during her time in public service, fighting colon cancer in 2004 and another cancer in 2005.

She grew up in Frankfort, graduated from Frankfort High School, and earned a degree from Centre College in Danville in 1974. Her career in public service began in campaign work and communications, including efforts for Wendell Ford, Julian Carroll, John Y. Brown Jr., and Martha Layne Collins. As Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of the Arts, she helped found the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts.

Luallen also held key Kentucky cabinet roles under Governor Paul Patton, including Secretary of the Tourism Cabinet (1992–1994), Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet (1994–1995), and Secretary of the Executive Cabinet (1995–2002). She was occasionally discussed as a potential candidate for higher office, including the U.S. Senate, but did not run. She is married to Lynn Luallen.