Voter’s Guide
The Race for Mayor
Q&A with Heidi Campbell
The state senator enters the crowded field touting her experience as a legislator and former mayor
Q&A: Jim Gingrich
The former COO of AllianceBernstein on the problems facing the city, including affordable housing, and why he chose to run for mayor
Q&A with Sharon Hurt
At-large councilmember says middle class “voting with their feet” and leaving Nashville as she declares run for mayor
Q&A with Freddie O’Connell
After two terms in the center of the city’s biggest debates, the District 19 councilmember says he is ready to tackle issues from transit to affordable housing to expanding the city’s investment beyond downtown.
Q&A with Alice Rolli
In a town full of Democrats, the Republican hopes to make taxes and crime central to the race
Q&A with Vivian Wilhoite
The Assessor of Property and former councilmember says she is ready to step up to the next challenge
Q&A with Matt Wiltshire
The former economic development and housing executive under four mayors says he is ready to step up to the next challenge
Q&A with Jeff Yarbro
The state senator makes an unexpected entry into the field after John Cooper steps aside
Video Interviews with Mayoral Candidates
Read a recap and watch footage from the Banner/Post/Scene forum as the field talks about housing, police and development and more
Going Deeper
At Issue: Sidewalks
Nashville needs thousands of miles of walkways, pedestrian deaths are on the rise, and the city lost over $4 million in funding in a federal appeals court ruling. Too many Nashvillians know exactly where the sidewalk ends.
At Issue: Affordable Housing
Nashville’s problem is simple: We need a lot more housing and we need it now. The solutions for the next mayor are not as simple.
At Issue: Crime
It’s one of the easiest issues to invoke, but one of the hardest to address. Here’s what the next mayor faces.
At Issue: Homelessness
John Cooper brought homelessness to the forefront with a $50 million “housing first” plan, then dropped out of the race. Candidates go on record with their plans.
At Issue: Transit
As Nashville has grown, its transit system has drastically lagged behind peer cities. The next mayor will have their work cut out for them if they’re going to catch up.
At Issue: Education
If candidates want to be the “Education Mayor,” they’ll have to pick their spots. Also, the field goes on the record about Pre-K, vouchers, charter schools, local control and more
Latest news
‘Today is a new day in Nashville’
O’Connell sworn in at public ceremony, pledges new focus on transit, services
O’Connell Sworn In as Metro’s 10th Mayor
Judge David Briley administers oath in private ceremony; public inauguration to take place Saturday
O’Connell in Transition
ANALYSIS: The mayor-elect suddenly has a very full plate — and a lot of decisions to make — after being focused on just one thing for 18 months
One-on-One with Freddie O’Connell
The progressive mayoral candidate talks about race, policing, transit and what the city needs to move forward
One-on-one with Alice Rolli
The conservative mayoral candidate talks about taxes, Trump and why she thinks the city needs a change
A Complete List of Runoff Endorsements
Here’s who has declared public support for mayor, Metro Council at-large and district council
Mayoral Candidates Finally Go On Attack
O’Connell and Rolli clash on education, state control and more during debate
Ad Watch: Another Lying Politician
Pro-Rolli PAC attacks O’Connell but makes claims on crime, taxes and defunding the police that don’t hold up
Cops, Firefighters Split on Next Mayor
FOP endorses Rolli while firefighters go with O’Connell
Jim Gingrich Endorses O’Connell
Retired business executive chooses to support councilmember over Rolli
Rolli Hits at DA Over Gun Crimes
ELECTION NOTEBOOK: Stunted debate format leaves candidates with little time to expand on answers; Wiltshire endorses O’Connell
No Matter Who Wins, a Quick Start Is Coming
Victorious mayoral candidate will have just two weeks to have some of their administration in place
Ad watch
Ad Watch: ‘Change’
Rolli plays it safe with a closing ad that emphasizes a need for a new direction
Ad Watch: ‘Hope’
O’Connell’s closing commercial plays it safe with a range of voices who are ‘ready’
Ad Watch: ‘Closing Argument’
Wiltshire’s final ad emphasizes his experience in affordable housing, but will it be enough to make a runoff?
Ad Watch: ‘One Proven’
Wiltshire leans hard into housing experience in an ad aimed at seniors and middle class
Ad Watch: ‘Single Thing’
Gingrich’s latest ad goes after education and safety voters with some brutal truths from children
Ad Watch: ‘We Will’
After having fun in his first spot, O’Connell goes traditional but nods to his vote against the Titans’ stadium
Ad Watch: ‘Naysayers’
Jeff Yarbro takes aim at Democratic voters with appeals on abortion, gun safety and more.
Ad Watch: ‘Blank Check’
Alice Rolli ties the property tax increase to issues with affordable housing, but there are larger forces at play.
Ad Watch: ‘Vivian for Mayor’
Wilhoite says her experience — and willingness to pick up the phone — set her apart
Ad Watch: Arnold Hayes
The former Community Oversight Board member becomes the first at-large candidate to go on TV
Ad Watch: ‘Out of Tune’
Heidi Campbell gets the band back together for a 30-second spot
Ad Watch: ‘Leader’
The veteran at-large councilmember and community leader’s initial ad is less about policy and more about personality
For a list of all mayor, vice mayor and council endorsements, click here
The Race for Vice Mayor
Q&A with Angie Henderson
The West Nashville council veteran makes her case for a different approach to crafting policy, why she voted against the Titans’ deal and what she wants to change
Q&A with Jim Shulman
After a tumultuous term, the vice mayor makes his case for better public engagement, a different committee process and four more years
The Race for Council
An Introduction to the At-Large Race
21 candidates vie for the council’s five citywide seats as incumbents, familiar names and newcomers duke it out
A Deeper Look at the At-Large Candidates
We asked the field for their position on license plate readers, the Titans’ stadium, property taxes and more. Here’s what they said.
Money Flows Into Council Contests
A Better Nashville PAC drops $70,000 on district races; Syracuse and Pulley lead at-large fundraising
In At-Large Race, It’s Hoarders vs. Spenders
Candidates approach final weeks of the campaign differently knowing that a runoff is likely to come next