Lexington councilwoman announces she won’t seek reelection in 2026
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- Councilwoman Jennifer Reynolds will not seek re-election in 2026.
- Reynolds pushed the city to up its communication with minority communities.
- Reynolds is the second council person to announce she is not running for re-election.
A Lexington-Fayette Urban County councilwoman has decided not to run for reelection after serving seven years on council.
Jennifer Reynolds, who was first elected in 2018, said in a statement Monday she has opted not to run in 2026. Council races are nonpartisan. District council members serve for two years. All 15 council seats are up for reelection in 2026.
“After much consideration and deliberation, I have decided not to seek reelection for the 11th District council seat for the 2026 election, nor will I be seeking election for another office for this election cycle,” Reynolds said. “ I realize this might be a surprise to many and different from what I originally thought. I want to make it clear that I am not ruling out public service, government work, or running for office in the future.“
The 11th District includes areas between Harrodsburg to Leestown roads and includes the Versailles Road area.
While on council, Reynolds, who speaks Spanish, has pushed the government to up its outreach and communication with minority communities, particularly during the COVID pandemic. She also worked to secure masks and conduct food drives for senior living facilities in her district during the pandemic.
She also pushed for multiple improvements on Versailles Road, including additional sidewalks in the high-pedestrian area, as well as multiple infrastructure improvements in the Distillery District on Manchester Street. Reynolds also serves as chairwoman of the council’s Social Services and Public Safety Committee.
Reynolds said being a council member is considered a part-time job. But 50-hour weeks are common. On top of that, many council members have to work other jobs to make ends meet. That makes it hard, Reynolds said.
“Currently, serving on council in Lexington is considered a part-time position even though I have often dedicated 50 hours a week to it on top of maintaining another 20-hour-a-week job,” Reynolds said. “I have done so joyfully, yet the reality of the current part-time pay for more than full-time work limits who can hold these positions, as it is not sustainable for the average Lexingtonian unless you have other financial means to support you.”
As of 2024, council members make $38,407 per year. Council aides, which help council members with day-to-day activities, can make twice as much as elected council members.
David Sevigny, who represents the 10th Council District, also announced earlier this year he would not seek a third, two-year term on council in 2026.
Former Councilman Richard Moloney, who previously represented the 11th District and also served as at-large council member, has filed paperwork with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance to run for 11th District seat.
