Contested Races Set for Howard County and Municipal Offices in 2026 General Election

The candidate filing period has concluded, setting the field for the 2026 General Election in Howard County. While many county and municipal offices are uncontested, voters will decide several competitive races in November.

At the county level, the race for Howard County Sheriff/Collector will feature Republican Joey Davis and Democrat Alex Gamble.

The only contested race for Justice of the Peace is in District 9, where Republican John Reeder Raulerson will face incumbent Democrat Juanita Jackson. The remaining Justice of the Peace races are uncontested.

Incumbent Brent Pinkerton is unopposed for Howard County Judge. Other uncontested county races include Keri Teague for County Clerk, Taylor Stone for Treasurer, Jana Tallant for Circuit Clerk, incumbent Cindy Butler for Assessor, and incumbent Matt Smith for Coroner.

In Nashville, voters will decide a three-way race for mayor as incumbent Republican Larry Dunaway faces independents Denise Woodruff and Kelly Rhea Windham.

Two Nashville City Council races are also contested. In Ward 1, Position 2, incumbent independent Joe Hoen will face Democrat Susan Berruquin. In Ward 5, Position 2, independents Gynder Benson and Carol Mitchell will compete for the open seat. No candidate filed for Ward 2, Position 2.

Elsewhere in the county, incumbent Democrat Vera Marks is unopposed for mayor of Mineral Springs, while incumbent independent Brenda Porter is unopposed for mayor of Tollette.

Dierks will have two contested municipal races. Incumbent Ronald Cogburn will face Jesse Edge for mayor, while incumbent Sherri Edge and Kristi Janes will compete for city treasurer.

The 2026 General Election will be held in November.