Iowa Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Neal Watkins
Jr.
Neal Watkins Jr., the incumbent, is running for mayor of Iowa in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Paul "Hounddog" Hesse, Jordan Manela and Brian "Shakey" Schexnayder.
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The race · Mayor
- 01Paul "Hounddog" Hesse
- 02Jordan Manela
- 03Brian "Shakey" Schexnayder
- 04Neal Watkins Jr.You’re reading
Background
- About
- Mayor of Iowa, first elected in 2022, who previously worked in construction.
- On the ballot as
- Republican
Four candidates filed for mayor: Paul "Hounddog" Hesse, Jordan Manela, Brian "Shakey" Schexnayder and Neal Watkins Jr. Louisiana Secretary of State Candidate Inquiry: Calcasieu Parish, Nov. 3, 2026 election · Aug 7, 2026
Neal Watkins Jr. is the incumbent mayor; Paul "Hounddog" Hesse is a former mayor. KPLC · Oct 12, 2026
On the record: Neal Watkins Jr.
4 sourced01Town finances1 sourced position
Says his record includes eliminating a half-million-dollar deficit and bringing in economic development.
We took care of a half-million-dollar deficit. We fixed our foundation. We brought in economic development that is only going to escalate from this point”
Own statementThe Advocate · Aug 26, 2026Link
02Growth1 sourced position
Says the challenge for a second term is growing the town without losing its small-town feel.
The bigger challenge is going to be, how do we grow the town of Iowa without losing the small-town feel?”
Own statementKPLC · Oct 12, 2026Link
03Water and sewer rates1 sourced position
Says the switch from a flat water rate to a metered rate was required by the state once the last meter was installed.
Own statementKPLC · Oct 12, 2026Link
04Police funding1 sourced position
as reported by KPLC; not a direct quote
Says his office did not cut police money, though some benefits are no longer 100% covered by the town, KPLC reported.
Own statementKPLC · Oct 12, 2026Link
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