Martin Mayor · Nov 3, 2026

David R.
Bell

David R. Bell is running for mayor of Martin in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Kent Kelso.

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Nov 3Election Day

The race · Mayor

About: David R. Bell is a Martin businessman and Weakley County Commissioner for District 6. He was elected to the County Commission in August 2018.

Kent Kelso is running for mayor of Martin against David Bell. Thunderbolt Radio · Aug 26, 2026

Mayoral candidates David R. Bell and Kent Kelso are scheduled to appear at a public forum at UT Martin on Oct. 8. Thunderbolt Radio · Sep 25, 2026

5 sourced

01Housing1 sourced position

Pledged to work personally with developers to encourage more residential development, and said housing should be a shared city and county priority.
Long-term sustainable growth comes from single-family homes, not only in the city but in the county as well”
Own statementThe Weakley County Examiner · Sep 1, 2026 Link

02City pay1 sourced position

Said Martin is struggling to fill positions, relies on overtime, and must find a way to make employee pay competitive with surrounding communities.
Own statementThe Weakley County Examiner · Sep 1, 2026 Link

03City finances1 sourced position

Named financial stability as the first major issue for the next administration; said the city must follow its approved budget and rebuild its fund balance.
I want you to leave here knowing that our city is doing okay”
Own statementThe Weakley County Examiner · Sep 1, 2026 Link

04Meeting transparency1 sourced position

Said he found it hard to learn when some city meetings are scheduled and has ideas to improve access to that information at no added cost.
Own statementThe Weakley County Examiner · Sep 1, 2026 Link

05County and university ties1 sourced position

Said his county government relationships could help bridge a gap between Martin and Weakley County, and that he wants a stronger city relationship with UT Martin.
Own statementThe Weakley County Examiner · Sep 1, 2026 Link

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