Helena-West Helena Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Joseph
Whitfield
Joseph Whitfield, the incumbent, is running for mayor of Helena-West Helena in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Christopher Franklin, Maxine Miller, Matthew Harvey, Patrick Roberson, Raymond "Tank" Simes, Lakesia M. Chandler and Robert "R&R" Ford.
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The race · Mayor
- 01Lakesia M. Chandler
- 02Robert "R&R" Ford
- 03Christopher Franklin
- 04Matthew Harvey
- 05Maxine Miller
- 06Patrick Roberson
- 07Raymond "Tank" Simes
- 08Joseph WhitfieldYou’re reading
Background
- About
- Mayor of Helena-West Helena, appointed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in October 2025. He previously served as executive director of Delta Magic and the Phillips County Chamber of Commerce.
- Campaign website
- whitfieldforhelena.com
Don Etherly served as interim mayor in 2025, before Joseph Whitfield was appointed. Arkansas Governor · Oct 2, 2025
On the record: Joseph Whitfield
5 sourced01City debt1 sourced position
Lists paying down the city's more than $4 million in inherited debt as his first priority.
Paying it down comes first”
Own statementWhitfield for MayorLink
02Blight and code enforcement1 sourced position
Lists tearing down derelict buildings and enforcing the city code among his priorities.
code enforcement is going after blight and unsafe structures”
Own statementWhitfield for MayorLink
03Water and sewer1 sourced position
Says the city is putting $28.5 million in state and federal funding into rebuilding the water system.
Own statementWhitfield for MayorLink
04Economy1 sourced position
Lists tourism, outdoor recreation and a year-round downtown music district among his economic goals.
Own statementWhitfield for MayorLink
05Police overtime1 sourced position
as reported by the Helena World; not a direct quote
Told the council police overtime requests will need approval forms and that eight-hour shifts will stay in effect.
Own statementHelena World · Sep 10, 2026Link
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