The candidate filing period has closed in Fort Smith, confirming a seven-person race for the city’s next mayor. The candidates include City Directors Christina Catsavis and Lee Kemp, alongside Sara Harrison, Yvette C. Powers, Nataylia Deer, Daniel Williams, and Shayne McKinney.
Current Mayor George McGill, who has served since 2019, chose not to seek reelection. The winner of the November 3 election will assume office on January 1, 2027, for a four-year term.
Also on the horizon is a potential change in how Fort Smith’s government operates. A citizen-led petition to increase the powers of the elected mayor is currently being reviewed to determine if it meets legal requirements to be placed on the ballot. If certified, a special election will be called to address the proposal.
In addition to the mayoral race, three seats on the Fort Smith Board of Directors are up for election. Four candidates have filed for the At-Large Position 5 seat, while three candidates will compete for At-Large Position 6. Incumbent Neal Martin, running unopposed for At-Large Position 7, has been re-elected without contest.