City

Mayor, City of Hopkinsville

Vote for: 1
Term: 4 years
Candidates: 3
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The mayor is the elected head of the City of Hopkinsville's government and serves a four-year term. Hopkinsville holds partisan city elections.

Partisan city election. On the ballot in the City of Hopkinsville (the A101, A103, A105, B101, B102, C101, C102, C103, C106, D101, D102, D103, D107, E101, E102, E103, E104, E105, G101 and G104 precincts and part of the A102, A104, B104 and G107 precincts; sample ballot).

Candidates Compare by issue

Russ Guffey

Republican

The gist

Proposes proactive long-term planning for the city's future
Pledges a fiscally conservative approach that trims city spending
Supports more housing, jobs and recreation to keep young residents
Supports sidewalks and traffic planning for new subdivisions

More about Russ

View sources (4)

Proposes proactive long-term planning for the city's future
Magistrate Russ Guffey to challenge incumbent James R. Knight Jr. for Hopkinsville mayor
News coverage · Hoptown Chronicle · Nov 5, 2025 · hoptownchronicle.org
“It's proactive planning that leads to preparation and prevention”
Pledges a fiscally conservative approach that trims city spending
Magistrate Russ Guffey announces run for Hopkinsville mayor
News coverage · Christian County Now · christiancountynow.com
“Yes, "fat" must be trimmed, and long-overdue issues must be addressed”
Supports more housing, jobs and recreation to keep young residents
Hopkinsville mayoral candidates field questions from local youth
News coverage · WHOP Radio · Jul 21, 2026 · whopam.com
“more well-paying jobs need to be created, and more housing needs to be developed”
Supports sidewalks and traffic planning for new subdivisions
Hopkinsville mayor debates Republican challengers ahead of primary election
News coverage · Christian County Now · christiancountynow.com
“he believes they should be proactive about planning to avoid traffic buildups and prioritize sidewalks in subdivisions”

Markeeta Oldham Wilkerson

Democratic

The gist

Supports youth mentorship and recreation to reduce crime
Proposes a 'Hopkinsville Youth First Initiative' for youth groups
Pledges to add sidewalks and improve transportation to jobs
Opposes payroll tax cuts for small businesses

More about Markeeta

View sources (3)

Supports youth mentorship and recreation to reduce crime
Hopkinsville mayoral candidates field questions from local youth
News coverage · WHOP Radio · Jul 21, 2026 · whopam.com
“she would like to invest in mentorship organizations and forms of recreation that connect youth to adults who can be positive role models”
Proposes a 'Hopkinsville Youth First Initiative' for youth groups
Hopkinsville mayoral candidates field questions from local youth
News coverage · WHOP Radio · Jul 21, 2026 · whopam.com
“The imitative focuses on supporting and bringing youth development organizations together.”
Pledges to add sidewalks and improve transportation to jobs
Men 2 Be hosts youth-led discussion with Hopkinsville mayoral candidates
News coverage · Christian County Now · christiancountynow.com
“she would focus on adding sidewalks, improving transportation to jobs and expanding other amenities aimed at keeping young people in Hopkinsville”
Opposes payroll tax cuts for small businesses
Ward 1 City Council candidates discuss youth and community engagement during forum
News coverage · Christian County Now · christiancountynow.com
“She said she would not support payroll tax cuts for small businesses”

Desaepa Vansauwa

Independent

The gist

Proposes better street lighting, crosswalks and sidewalks
Proposes pilot shuttle routes for seniors, youth and events
Proposes paid apprenticeships and youth job placement programs
Supports seeking grants before adding recurring city spending

More about Desaepa

View sources (1)

Proposes better street lighting, crosswalks and sidewalks
Independent candidate for Hopkinsville mayor outlines campaign priorities
News coverage · Christian County Now · christiancountynow.com
“Invest in improved street lighting, traffic signals, crosswalks and sidewalks to protect pedestrians and drivers.”
Proposes pilot shuttle routes for seniors, youth and events
Independent candidate for Hopkinsville mayor outlines campaign priorities
News coverage · Christian County Now · christiancountynow.com
“Launch phased 6- to 12-month shuttle pilots for seniors, youth and event routes with defined staffing and budget plans.”
Proposes paid apprenticeships and youth job placement programs
Independent candidate for Hopkinsville mayor outlines campaign priorities
News coverage · Christian County Now · christiancountynow.com
“Create paid apprenticeships, job training and youth placement programs tied to local businesses and city programs.”
Supports seeking grants before adding recurring city spending
Independent candidate for Hopkinsville mayor outlines campaign priorities
News coverage · Christian County Now · christiancountynow.com
“Pursue state/federal grants and public-private partnerships before creating new recurring city spending.”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 7 issues covered in this race.