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).
Taxes & budget
Russ GuffeyRepublican
- Pledges a fiscally conservative approach that trims city spending
Markeeta Oldham WilkersonDemocratic
- Opposes payroll tax cuts for small businesses
Desaepa VansauwaIndependent
- Supports seeking grants before adding recurring city spending
Public safety
Russ GuffeyRepublican
No documented position found.
Markeeta Oldham WilkersonDemocratic
- Supports youth mentorship and recreation to reduce crime
Desaepa VansauwaIndependent
- Proposes better street lighting, crosswalks and sidewalks
Housing
Russ GuffeyRepublican
- Supports more housing, jobs and recreation to keep young residents
Markeeta Oldham WilkersonDemocratic
No documented position found.
Desaepa VansauwaIndependent
No documented position found.
Economy & jobs
Russ GuffeyRepublican
No documented position found.
Markeeta Oldham WilkersonDemocratic
No documented position found.
Desaepa VansauwaIndependent
- Proposes paid apprenticeships and youth job placement programs
Roads & infrastructure
Russ GuffeyRepublican
- Supports sidewalks and traffic planning for new subdivisions
Markeeta Oldham WilkersonDemocratic
- Pledges to add sidewalks and improve transportation to jobs
Desaepa VansauwaIndependent
- Proposes pilot shuttle routes for seniors, youth and events
Health & human services
Russ GuffeyRepublican
No documented position found.
Markeeta Oldham WilkersonDemocratic
- Proposes a 'Hopkinsville Youth First Initiative' for youth groups
Desaepa VansauwaIndependent
No documented position found.
Government & transparency
Russ GuffeyRepublican
- Proposes proactive long-term planning for the city's future
Markeeta Oldham WilkersonDemocratic
No documented position found.
Desaepa VansauwaIndependent
No documented position found.
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.