Lexington Urban County Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Raquel E. Carter
Candidate for Urban County Mayor
Raquel E. Carter is running for mayor of Lexington in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Linda Gorton.
Voter registration deadline · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayOwner of Guide Realty. She served on the LFUCG Board of Adjustment from 2017 to 2025 and was appointed to the Kentucky Real Estate Commission in 2020.
- Endorsed by
- Central KY Building & Construction Trades Council; LiUNA, Laborers Local 189; Emily's List Ballotpedia · Apr 15, 2026
- Campaign website
- www.raquelforlexingtonmayor.com
Where Raquel E. Carter stands: positions on the record
Data centers2 sourced positions
Supports a full ban on large-scale data centers in Lexington, saying they would worsen affordability.
“At a time when we face an affordability crisis, data centers will only worsen the crisis”
Own statementLexington Herald-Leader · Jul 31, 2026
In an April 2026 candidate survey she stopped short of calling for a full ban on large data centers, citing smaller edge centers and pairing with renewable energy.
Own statementLexington Herald-Leader
Housing2 sourced positions
Proposes growing the Affordable Housing Fund from 1% to 2% over four years and setting annual housing production targets.
“Expand funding by growing the Affordable Housing Fund from 1% to 2% over four years”
Own statementBallotpedia · Apr 15, 2026
Would pursue zoning changes to allow duplexes and townhomes across Lexington, establish a land bank and track housing construction on a public dashboard.
“We will actively create housing opportunities across all price points by establishing a land bank, identifying vacant and underutilized properties, expanding adaptive reuse, and aligning higher-density housing with transit corridors and commercial areas”
Own statementLexington Herald-Leader · May 7, 2026
Solar on farmland1 sourced position
Criticized Mayor Gorton's veto of the Council's solar ordinance for agricultural land.
Own statementWKYT · Sep 18, 2026
Government Center1 sourced position
Said the new city hall project should not go forward now, citing the close Council vote and a challenging time for taxpayers.
“With the vote being this close and we’re being in this challenging time for our taxpayers — this is just not the time.”
Own statementLexington Herald-Leader · May 6, 2026
Roads and snow response1 sourced position
Would prioritize road resurfacing, pothole repair, drainage and snow and ice response, with a public dashboard to report issues and track repairs.
“Launch a real-time public dashboard so residents can report issues and track repairs.”
Own statementBallotpedia · Apr 15, 2026
Also running for Urban County Mayor
- Linda Gorton (incumbent)
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