Lexington mayoral race narrowed to two candidates

The field in the Lexington mayoral contest narrowed to two candidates Tuesday. The incumbent mayor was easily the top vote-getter.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton garnered the vast majority of votes in Fayette County with the unofficial tally showing her with more than 70% of the vote. The first-term mayor said she anticipates a robust fall election. Gorton noted she feels her professional experience as a nurse helped her deal with stress and managing a pandemic, a turbulent economy, and social unrest.

“I mean this particular time in leadership has probably been the biggest challenge in Lexington’s history,” said Gorton.

Gorton said her administrative team has strategized throughout the period of coronavirus, maintaining an emphasis on basic services.

First-term Council Member David Kloiber edged Lexington Minister Adrian Wallace to secure a spot in the fall race. During his concession speech in downtown, Lexington Wallace said that he would be supporting Kloiber’s campaign.