HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Russ Guffey has thrown his hat into the ring for mayor of the City of Hopkinsville for the 2026 election. Guffy currently serves as a magistrate on the Christian County Fiscal Court for district seven under Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam.
Hopkinsville’s current mayor, J.R. Knight, was elected to his first term in 2022. There have been no formal announcements regarding re-election. Potential candidates can file for office between Nov. 5 and Jan. 9, 2026.
Also on the 2026 ballot is Christian County Sheriff, where two candidates have already been named.
Guffey’s candidacy announcement
Magistrate Guffey released the following news release to media regarding his run for mayor.
“As the current Magistrate for District 7, I am beyond proud of the improvements Christian County has experienced over my term. Our Fiscal Court has lowered taxes for three consecutive years, all while increasing our valuable employees ’pay, replacing outdated infrastructure and equipment, addressing numerous capital projects, and maintaining healthy balances in vital accounts and funds.
When coupled with a strategic vision, this fiscally conservative approach is one I believe to be proven and effective. “Ambitious” and “Fruitful” don’t have to be mutually exclusive. The recent progress seen in our county is evidence of this; and District 7 can be viewed as a microcosm of how focus on residential, industrial, retail, recreational, and educational efforts can produce results.
As a lifelong resident, former teacher and coach, current business owner on both our main thoroughfare and in our downtown, and active member and participant in numerous civic organizations, my knowledge of our city’s makeup and challenges is firsthand. It is my experience and acumen as an elected official, though, that I feel will vastly aide in the ability to initiate change and produce growth and opportunity in our community.
Honest discourse needs to take place, creating a proactive blueprint for Hopkinsville’s future. Yes, “fat” must be trimmed, and long-overdue issues must be addressed, but communication between the mayor and staff, constituents, Council, the County, and even the Commonwealth are equally as vital. Laws and policies affect people; but the opposite should also be true.
No longer will we struggle with the “two steps forward, one step back” approach. My vision is to move Hopkinsville to practical heights of population, housing, employment, retail, entertainment, and recruitment, all while honoring and lifting up our existing residents, businesses, and services.”
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