Hopkinsville Council Candidates Participate in Open Forum Series

League of Women Voters hosts debates ahead of May primary election.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:49am

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty city council chamber, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the room, capturing the quiet contemplation of the democratic process.The League of Women Voters' candidate forums provide a nonpartisan platform for civic engagement and informed decision-making in local elections.Hopkinsville Today

Candidates for Hopkinsville City Council took part in the first of a series of public forums hosted by the League of Women Voters of Hopkinsville. The event featured candidates in contested races for Wards 9 and 10, with additional forums scheduled throughout April to cover other local races.

Why it matters

These forums provide an important nonpartisan platform for voters to learn about the candidates and their positions on key issues facing the city. As the primary election approaches, these events help inform the electorate and promote civic engagement at the local level.

The details

The initial forum on Monday evening included candidates in the Republican primaries for Wards 9 and 10, as well as the Democratic primary for Ward 9. Candidates answered questions submitted by community members and screened in advance by the League of Women Voters. Additional forums are scheduled for April 9, April 13, and April 16, covering mayoral, city council, and county office races.

  • The first forum was held on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • Additional forums are scheduled for April 9, April 13, and April 16, 2026.
  • The primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026.

The players

League of Women Voters of Hopkinsville

A nonpartisan organization that works to promote civic engagement and voter education at the local level.

Jamie Lienberger

Challenger in the Republican primary for Hopkinsville City Council Ward 9.

Brittanie Bogard

Incumbent in the Republican primary for Hopkinsville City Council Ward 9.

Michael Velez

Candidate in the Republican primary for Hopkinsville City Council Ward 10.

Steve Keel

Candidate in the Republican primary for Hopkinsville City Council Ward 10.

Duane Shepard

Candidate in the Democratic primary for Hopkinsville City Council Ward 9.

Monike Love

Candidate in the Democratic primary for Hopkinsville City Council Ward 9.

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What they’re saying

“These forums provide an important nonpartisan platform for voters to learn about the candidates and their positions on key issues facing the city.”

— League of Women Voters of Hopkinsville

What’s next

Additional forums are scheduled for April 9, April 13, and April 16, 2026, covering mayoral, city council, and county office races. The primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026.

The takeaway

The League of Women Voters' candidate forums are a crucial part of the democratic process, giving voters the opportunity to directly engage with local candidates and make informed decisions in the upcoming primary election.