Fort Smith mayoral, director candidate packets available for 2026 election cycle

Less than 24 hours into the official election cycle for Fort Smith mayor and director-at-large positions, six candidate packets have been picked up, said Fort Smith City Clerk Sherri Gard on Thursday (May 7) morning. Three of the packets were for the mayoral race.

Candidate packets were first available to be picked up at 1 p.m., Wednesday (May 6), from the city clerk’s first-floor office at 623 Garrison Ave. Until the filing period ends, packets are available in the clerk’s office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

With Fort Smith Mayor George McGill not seeking reelection, the seat is open with several individuals, including City Directors Christina Catsavis and Lee Kemp, announcing plans to run for mayor. And with Catsavis seeking the mayoral post, that leaves an open director position.

In addition to the normal election cycle, there is an effort to place a Fort Smith form-of-government question on the November general election ballot. In Fort Smith’s form of government, the city administrator is the CEO. Changing to a mayor-council form of government would place management responsibility with the mayor.

As of April 29, approximately 1,100 signatures were collected, with 2,608 registered voter signatures required to place the question on the November ballot. Initiative petitions must be filed at least 90 days before the next regular election, according to information from Daily & Woods, the city’s law firm.

“I think it’s going to be an interesting election season,” Gard said.

City positions also on the November ballot are city director at-large positions 5, 6 and 7. Director Christina Catsavis is in position 5, Director Kevin Settle is in position 6, and Director Neal Martin is in position 7. Gard said one packet was picked up for at-large position 5, two for at-large position 6, and none for at-large position 7.

“Each position is for a four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2027,” according to a note from the city clerk’s office. “Candidates must be at least 21 years of age, a resident of the city for at least six months, and be a registered voter in Fort Smith. All candidates are required to file a statement of candidacy and submit a petition containing the signatures of at least 50 registered voters residing in Fort Smith.

“Statements of candidacy and petitions must be filed with the city clerk within the official filing period prescribed by law, which begins at 12:00 noon on July 29, 2026, and concludes at 12:00 noon on Aug. 5, 2026. Upon sufficiency, all qualified candidates will be placed on the general election ballot.”

The general election date is Nov. 3, with a runoff election, if needed, set for Dec. 1.

If Ward 3 Director Kemp is elected mayor, the board could appoint someone to complete the city director term that ends Dec. 31, 2028, or call for a special election. The first opportunity for a special election would be in March 2027. According to Gard, the board also could appoint someone to fill the position until the election cycle is complete. In either appointment scenario, qualified Ward 3 residents could apply to be appointed. The board would then select a director from the applicants.

Link here for complete election information from the city clerk’s office.