What to know about the 2026 Mayfield mayoral race

The 2026 Mayfield mayoral race in western Kentucky features two leading contenders, Tim Choate and Derrick Parrott, after a May primary trimmed the field. Local voters will decide in November who will lead the city government and shape infrastructure and services for the coming years. This explainer summarizes what happened, who is affected, and what voters can do next, using information from a local radio source that reported on the candidates’ responses in a voter guide.

Who’s running and what changed since the primary

In May, Tim Choate, a civil engineer and longtime Mayfield resident, and Derrick Parrott, a current city council member, advanced to the November ballot after the primary. Both submitted written responses to a local voter guide. The mayor’s race will decide who leads the city government and oversees priorities such as infrastructure, budgeting, and city services. The incumbent mayor at the time of the primary was Kathy O’Nan, who did not win the nomination in May. The article source presents the candidates’ self-descriptions and plans as they appeared in the voter guide.

Key facts about the candidates and process

• Current city council member, advance to the November ballot after May primary.
• The race will be decided in November by Graves County voters who are eligible in Mayfield. The source notes there are sample ballots and ballot lookup tools to compare races.
• The details come from WKMS’s voter guide coverage of the race and the candidates’ written responses.

Who is affected and how

The mayor’s choice affects all residents and property or business owners in Mayfield, as the city government sets priorities for infrastructure projects, budgeting, and city services that affect daily life. Voters in Mayfield and Graves County can view the ballot and related races through local tools. The race outcome will determine who leads the city council and how public funds are directed for projects and services in the coming term.

Practical next steps for voters

• Check your ballot: Use the county’s sample ballot or your jurisdiction’s ballot lookup tool to confirm you’re voting for Mayfield mayor in the November election.
• Read candidate positions: Review the written responses provided by Tim Choate and Derrick Parrott, as summarized by local coverage.
• Learn about the broader election: If you want to compare other local races, use the same ballot tools to see additional contests on your ballot.
• Plan to vote: Note election dates, early voting options if available, and required identification or registration rules in your area.

Limits of the information and common questions

Details come from a local radio outlet’s voter guide with candidate responses. The source provides a snapshot of how the candidates present themselves but does not include independent analysis of their proposals in this explainer. For questions such as how a mayoral decision affects specific services or tax decisions, look for official city announcements or budget documents once the term begins.

Information and responsibility notice: This article is general information based on the cited material available when published. It is not legal, tax, immigration, medical, financial, banking, or investment advice; it does not create a professional-client relationship; and it is not a guarantee of outcome, availability, accuracy, or eligibility. Rules, schedules, prices, and third-party information can change. Confirm material decisions with the relevant authority and an appropriately qualified adviser before acting.