Fort Smith Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Lee Kemp
Candidate for Mayor
Lee Kemp is running for mayor of Fort Smith in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Nataylia Deer, Shayne McKinney, Yvette C. Powers, Daniel Williams, Sara Harrison and Christina Catsavis.
Voter registration deadline · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayFort Smith city director and lead pastor of Forefront Church.
Lee Kemp is the Ward 3 director (term ends December 2028) and is running for mayor. If he wins, the board could appoint a replacement or call a special election for Ward 3; if he loses, he told Talk Business he would keep his seat. Talk Business & Politics · Apr 16, 2026
Christina Catsavis, Lee Kemp, Dan Williams, Lavon Morton, Casey Millspaugh and Brian Trumbly filed campaign finance reports with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office. Talk Business & Politics · Sep 1, 2026
Where Lee Kemp stands: positions on the record
Form of government3 sourced positions
Voted no on placing the change-of-government question on the 2026 ballot (failed to reach the four votes needed, May 19, 2026).
Council voteTalk Business & Politics · Aug 12, 2026
Voted no again on placing the change-of-government question on the 2026 ballot (fell short of the four votes needed, July 7, 2026).
Council voteTalk Business & Politics · Aug 12, 2026
Said the current form gives the most representation to the people and that he would not champion an effort to change it.
“allows the professionals to do the work.”
Own statementTalk Business & Politics · Apr 16, 2026
City administrator1 sourced position
Voted yes on hiring Jeff Dingman as city administrator (passed 4-3, Aug. 4, 2026).
Council voteTalk Business & Politics · Aug 4, 2026
Parrot Island waterslides1 sourced position
Voted yes on contracts of more than $2.415 million to install five waterslides at Parrot Island Waterpark (passed 4-3, Mar. 17, 2026).
Council voteTalk Business & Politics · Mar 17, 2026
City budget1 sourced position
Voted yes on the city's four 2026 operating budgets (passed 6-1, Dec. 16, 2025).
Council voteTalk Business & Politics · Dec 16, 2025
Civility1 sourced position
Listed promoting civility and professionalism in public meetings among his five mayoral priorities.
“Promoting civility and professionalism in public meetings and civic leadership”
Own statementTalk Business & Politics · Apr 16, 2026
Also running for Mayor
All 14 Fort Smith candidates →Every claim here links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works →
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