139 New Mayors Elected in Kentucky General Election

Kentucky voters handed 139 new mayors the keys to city hall on Tuesday, a sweeping wave of local turnover that swept through more than 2,000 city government seats across the commonwealth, the Kentucky League of Cities reported. Yet in the state’s two largest cities, the story played out differently: voters in Louisville and Lexington chose continuity over change, handing second terms to their sitting mayors in nonpartisan races that drew hundreds of thousands of votes.

The Kentucky League of Cities is already preparing to onboard the new class, planning to mail every newly elected official a packet outlining legal guidance, training, advocacy tools, and other member benefits, plus invitations to one of 10 no-cost City Officials Orientation sessions scheduled across Kentucky throughout December.

Louisville Reelects Craig Greenberg by Wide Margin

In Louisville, Mayor Craig Greenberg cruised to reelection against Metro Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright, collecting more than 130,670 votes as of 10:30 p.m. Parrish-Wright, who advanced from the primary after receiving more than 37,000 votes there, drew more than 96,000 votes in the general election. Greenberg had dominated the primary with nearly 75,000 votes, setting up the head-to-head matchup.

LIVE General Election Results 2026 – Frankfort and Franklin County, Kentucky

Parrish-Wright campaigned on accessible housing, public restrooms, an audit of the city’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and a forensic audit of Louisville Metro Police Department spending under previous administrations. Greenberg, who had Gov. Andy Beshear’s backing, ran on his first-term record and a pledge to make early childhood education a reality for all 3- and 4-year-olds in the city. The incumbent also faced criticism from data center opponents who wanted a ban on all construction, and the two clashed over police funding during a September debate, with Greenberg arguing the department should have the best-paid officers while Parrish-Wright called for leveling off funding to examine past budget spending.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I want you and everyone in Louisville to know something. I’m not satisfied — not even close — because as much progress as we’ve made, I know we can do so much more,” Greenberg said in his victory speech. “This election wasn’t just about what we’ve accomplished over the past four years. Tonight and every day and night moving forward is about what we’re going to accomplish over the next four years.”

Lexington’s Linda Gorton Wins Another Term

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, who has held office since 2019, also survived a challenge, defeating Raquel Carter in the nonpartisan race with more than 56,000 votes, the Kentucky Lantern reported. Carter ran on a platform arguing that “Lexington needs new leadership,” claiming the city had become unaffordable under Gorton and pointing to the mayor’s handling of winter storms that shut down the city for weeks, causing missed school, lost wages, and road damage.

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Gorton’s campaign emphasized affordability and the city’s Affordable Housing Program, arguing that as Lexington attracts new residents, the city must ensure housing stock remains accessible. She called for a dedicated funding stream to support the program, stating she would strengthen partnerships with developers while seeking a reliable funding mechanism to reduce costs for developers building new housing.

What 139 New Mayors Mean for Kentucky Cities

The 139 new mayors join hundreds of newly elected council members and commissioners who will take office in a commonwealth where more than 2,000 city government seats were contested.

139 New Mayors Elected in Kentucky General Election — Photo: kentuckylantern.com

In Louisville and Lexington, voters opted to keep leaders they know; in the other 139 cities, they chose new faces to chart a different course.

The Kentucky League of Cities will provide newly elected officials with resources and services, including no-cost City Officials Orientation sessions held across Kentucky throughout December.