Lexington Mayor Race 2026: Gorton vs. Carter
Published Nov. 1, 2026
Quick answer: Lexington’s nonpartisan mayoral race pits two-term incumbent Linda Gorton against challenger Raquel Carter, a real estate broker running for office for the first time. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The candidates
Linda Gorton is seeking a third term. She advanced from the May 19 primary alongside Carter. Wikipedia
Raquel Carter is a real estate professional running for her first elected office. She and Gorton beat out five other candidates in the primary. wkytlex18
Where they stand
Winter weather
Both candidates and many residents said they were unhappy with how the city handled last winter’s ice storms. Gorton says her team did the first major overhaul of the city’s snow and ice plan in 30 years. Carter says treating neighborhood roads should be a priority regardless of the plan. wkyt
Housing
Carter says a major housing shortage is pricing people out and says she’d update land-use rules to allow more density and streamline building. Gorton says she can’t control the housing market and points to industrial revenue bonds, which can give builders lower interest rates in exchange for including some affordable units. wkyt
License plate cameras
Carter says the city should suspend its Flock license plate readers until there’s confidence they don’t violate constitutional rights. Gorton created a panel to evaluate the cameras and calls them a valuable crime-solving tool, while saying she’s open to changes. wkyt
Experience
Gorton says leading a city of more than 300,000 requires government experience. Carter says her strengths are leadership and vision and that a new perspective can help City Hall. wkyt
Data centers
Both candidates have said there’s no place for large, high-scale data centers in Lexington. wkyt
The polling
A poll conducted by Lake Search Partners and paid for by Carter’s campaign found Gorton at 39% and Carter at 34%, with a margin of error of 4.9 points and 20% undecided. Gorton disputes the results. It’s an internal poll from one campaign, so treat it with caution. wkytwkyt
The debate
The candidates met in an Oct. 8 debate hosted by WKYT and the League of Women Voters at Transylvania University, where the discussion grew increasingly heated and covered Flock cameras, housing, and public safety. wkyt
How to vote
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday. Bring a photo ID. Find your polling place at govote.ky.gov.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lexington mayor’s race partisan?No, it’s nonpartisan.
Who is running for Lexington mayor?Incumbent Linda Gorton and challenger Raquel Carter.
When is the election?Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
