Reports show Catsavis tops so far in Fort Smith mayoral campaign contributions

Campaign contribution reports show that just under $55,000 — at least — has been raised in the 2026 race for Fort Smith mayor. Several people have announced for the open seat, but only Fort Smith Directors Christina Catsavis and Lee Kemp have filed contribution reports.

Fort Smith Mayor George McGill is not seeking reelection after serving two four-year terms. The open seat is attracting interest with several hopefuls making candidacy announcements on social media. Fort Smith City Clerk Sherri Gard said 12 people have picked up mayoral candidate packets. The deadline to return packets is at noon Aug. 5.

Only three Fort Smith mayoral candidates appear on the Arkansas Secretary of State’s campaign contribution report system: Catsavis, Kemp, and Dan Williams. As of July 8, only Catsavis and Kemp have filed contribution reports.

According to state law, monthly reports are required in the election year when candidate contributions or expenditures exceed $500. Monthly reports are due no later than 20 days after the end of the month, with the law also requiring post-election reports. Also, $3,500 is the contribution limit per election, with contributions allowed from an individual, a political party, a county political party committee, a legislative caucus committee, or an approved political action committee.

Catsavis, who was elected to the city’s seven-person board of directors in November 2022, officially announced her mayoral candidacy on Feb. 5. She has filed monthly reports for February, March, April and May. The reports show total contributions of $31,899, total expenditures of $12,594, and a balance of $19,304 at the end of May. The average contribution to her campaign in the four months was $928.

The top six contributors to the campaign in the four months were Brandon Weeks, $3,300; Robert Srygley, $2,500; with four contributors — Effie Hart, Cynthia Cunningham, Michael Morton, and Nancy Smith-Robinson — giving $2,000 each.

Kemp, who was first elected director in November 2024 and has two years remaining on the board, announced April 16 his mayoral bid. He has filed a May report only. The report shows total contributions of $22,400, total expenditures of $2,503, and a balance of $19,897 at the end of May. The average contribution to his campaign was $1,493.

The top five contributors to the Kemp campaign in the May report were Brenda Altman, $3,500; Carl Corley, $3,500; Bennie Westphal, $3,000; Landy Westphal, $3,000; and Bill Hanna, $2,500.

If no mayoral candidate wins a majority of the votes cast at the Nov. 3 general election, the two candidates with the most votes will be on the Dec. 1 runoff election ballot.

If Kemp is elected mayor, the board could appoint someone to complete the city director term ending Dec. 31, 2028, or call for a special election. The first opportunity for a special election would be in March 2027. According to Fort Smith City Clerk Sherri 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 to access the Arkansas Secretary of State page to search campaign contribution reports.