Eight candidates advanced Tuesday night in the nonpartisan race for Owensboro City Commission, with four seats set to be decided in the November general election.
Bob Glenn led the field with 3,618 votes, followed closely by Pamela Smith-Wright with 3,574 votes. Sharon Gail NeSmith received 3,216 votes, while Jeff Sanford finished with 3,112 votes.
Curtis Maglinger received 3,092 votes, followed by Steve Johnson with 2,599 votes. Tyler Goad earned 2,002 votes, and John Ross Martin secured the final advancing spot with 1,755 votes.
Harley Metcalf was eliminated after receiving 1,557 votes.
Glenn is seeking what would be his seventh overall term on the commission. During the campaign, he highlighted economic development projects, tourism growth, affordable housing concerns, and continued cooperation between city and county governments as key priorities.
Smith-Wright, the longest-serving female commissioner in Owensboro history, campaigned on her experience in local government and decades of community involvement. She emphasized long-term planning, economic growth, and listening carefully to residents on difficult issues.
NeSmith sought a second term after first being elected in 2023. She promoted a leadership style centered on communication, research, and collaboration, while also pointing to efforts addressing food insecurity and long-term community planning.
Sanford focused much of his campaign on industrial development, downtown revitalization, affordable housing, and homelessness. He also highlighted redevelopment efforts involving Towne Square Mall and South Frederica Street.
Maglinger emphasized partnerships, infrastructure improvements, public safety, and workforce development. He said cooperation between city government, businesses, schools, and community organizations would remain important as Owensboro continues growing.
Johnson campaigned on economic growth, neighborhood investment, and fiscal responsibility. He pointed to more than three decades of public policy and government experience at the local, state, and federal levels.
Goad, a retired Navy officer and current NJROTC instructor at Daviess County High School, emphasized collaboration, economic development, homelessness solutions, and stronger city-county relationships during his campaign.
Martin, a local real estate investor and developer, campaigned on infrastructure, public safety, and long-term planning. He said his background revitalizing local properties gives him a practical perspective on growth and redevelopment issues.
The top four vote-getters in November will earn seats on the Owensboro City Commission.
