City

Louisville Metro Council

District 21

Vote for: 1
Term: 4 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The Metro Council is Louisville Metro's legislative body: it passes local ordinances and the budget. Each of its 26 members represents one district; the odd-numbered districts are elected in 2026.

Nonpartisan; elected by the district's voters.

Candidates Compare by issue

Lonnie Joseph

No party listed

President, Wilder Park Neighborhood Association

The gist

Supports proactive crime reduction and better street lighting
Supports affordable housing and youth programs
Supports small business opportunity, local jobs and economic growth
Supports improved roads and open communication with Metro Government
Pledges accountable, efficient Metro government

More about Lonnie

View sources (2)

Supports proactive crime reduction and better street lighting
Lonnie Joseph for Louisville Metro Council District 21
Campaign website · Friends of Lonnie Joseph · lonniejoseph.com
“He prioritizes proactive measures to reduce crime, improve lighting, and ensure quick responses”
Supports affordable housing and youth programs
Lonnie Joseph for Louisville Metro Council District 21
Campaign website · Friends of Lonnie Joseph · lonniejoseph.com
“he champions family-friendly policies, like affordable housing and effective youth programs”
Supports small business opportunity, local jobs and economic growth
Lonnie Joseph for Louisville Metro Council District 21
Campaign website · Friends of Lonnie Joseph · lonniejoseph.com
“Lonnie focuses on practical solutions for local challenges like public safety, neighborhood vitality, small business opportunity, local jobs, and economic growth.”
Supports improved roads and open communication with Metro Government
See who's running for Louisville offices in 2026 primary elections
News coverage · Louisville Courier Journal (via Yahoo News) · Jan 12, 2026 · yahoo.com
“improved roads and open communication between constituents and Metro Government”
Pledges accountable, efficient Metro government
Lonnie Joseph for Louisville Metro Council District 21
Campaign website · Friends of Lonnie Joseph · lonniejoseph.com
“to fight for accountable, efficient government that serves everyone”

Betsy Ruhe

No party listedIncumbent

Louisville Metro Council member (District 21)

The gist

Introduced changes easing massage rules, keeping trafficking enforcementIn office
Co-sponsored ordinance on security at late-night businessesIn office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about Betsy

View sources (3)

Introduced changes easing massage rules, keeping trafficking enforcement
Louisville officials propose changes to massage law aimed at human trafficking
News coverage · Louisville Public Media (LPM News) · Sep 29, 2026 · lpm.org
“introduced a set of amendments last week that she said should help ease the regulatory burden without impeding enforcement”
O-286-26: Ordinance amending the massage facilities sections of the Louisville Metro Code
Government record · Louisville Metro Council (Legistar) · louisville.legistar.com
“SECTIONS 115.170 TO 115.196 REGARDING MASSAGE FACILITIES”
Co-sponsored ordinance on security at late-night businesses
O-280-25: Ordinance on criminal activity nuisances and in-person security at late-night businesses
Government record · Louisville Metro Council (Legistar) · louisville.legistar.com
“RELATING TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITY NUISANCES AND IN-PERSON SECURITY AT LATE-NIGHT BUSINESSES”

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; 5 issues covered in this race.