Lexington Urban County Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Linda Gorton
Candidate for Urban County Mayor (incumbent)
Linda Gorton, the incumbent, is running for mayor of Lexington in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Raquel E. Carter.
Voter registration deadline · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayMayor of Lexington since 2019. She served on the Urban County Council from 1999 to 2014, including as Vice Mayor from 2011 to 2014, and worked as a registered nurse.
- Campaign website
- lindagorton.com
Where Linda Gorton stands: positions on the record
Solar on farmland1 sourced position
Vetoed the Council's ordinance allowing industrial solar on agricultural land, citing the precedent of an industrial use on farmland; says she supports solar elsewhere.
“I support solar projects in the appropriate areas, at the appropriate scale – projects that do not threaten this strong foundation of our economy, quality of life, and identity.”
Own statementLexingtonKY.gov · Sep 18, 2026
Data centers1 sourced position
Says hyperscale data centers do not belong in Fayette County and that any smaller data centers need tight controls so residents bear no cost.
“there must be tight controls considered, including specifics on how to handle water, electricity, noise, decommissioning, etc., so that there is no cost to the residents of Fayette County from these private businesses”
Own statementLexington Herald-Leader
Budget1 sourced position
Proposed a $546 million General Fund budget for fiscal 2027 with no tax increases and a $10 million bonding package.
“today I am presenting you with a balanced, right-sized budget that has no tax increases”
Own statementLexingtonKY.gov · Apr 14, 2026
Housing1 sourced position
as reported by the Lexington Herald-Leader; not a direct quote
Says continued investment in the city's affordable housing fund, which receives 1% of the general fund each year, is key to addressing housing costs.
Forum answerLexington Herald-Leader · May 7, 2026
Government Center1 sourced position
Wants to finish the new government center project during a third term; says the city saved money in an account for it.
“I'd like to finish the government center - the new government center - and get that over and done.”
Own statementWUKY · Jun 17, 2026
Public safety1 sourced position
Lists sustaining public safety partnerships, including the ONE Lexington team, as a goal for a third term.
“This is the most important thing for a city to be: a safe city.”
Own statementWUKY · Jun 17, 2026
Also running for Urban County Mayor
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