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PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Pikeville Mayor Jimmy Carter officially filed for re-election in the 2026 non-partisan mayoral race on November 5th. First elected in 2014, Carter has been chosen by Pikeville voters every term since, marking more than a decade of steady, community-focused leadership.
Carter was elected to the Pikeville City Commission in 2004 before being elected as mayor. He was appointed to the board of the Kentucky League of Cities in 2022, and was elevated to the Executive Board in 2024. During his tenure as mayor he’s ushered in major infrastructure improvements, quality-of-life enhancements, and continued economic progress. Carter says his decision to seek another term comes from a deep sense of responsibility for the city’s future.
“Pikeville is one of the most progressive small cities in Kentucky, but I’m the first to say that our work is far from over,” Carter said. “We are still recovering from the loss of jobs and the massive hit to our regional economy from the loss of the coal industry. Despite that challenge, Pikeville has shown incredible resilience—and we can’t stop now.”
Carter emphasized that his next term, if elected, will focus heavily on two priorities: downtown revitalization and continued growth and investment in the industrial park.
“I’m running again because I want to keep building a vibrant, walkable, thriving downtown—one that attracts new businesses, supports local entrepreneurs, and brings more people into our community,” Carter said. “At the same time, securing additional funding for the industrial park is essential. That’s where our long-term growth lies. With the right infrastructure and incentives, we can attract new industries, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen Pikeville’s economic future for decades to come.”
Carter noted that Pikeville’s progress is the result of strong partnerships and relationships between the city, state and federal governments, educational institutions, and the business community. He pledged to continue fostering those collaborations as the city works to bring new opportunities to the region.
The election for mayor of Pikeville will take place in November 2026.
