Clarksville City Council Postpones Ward 2 Appointment After Voting Stalemate

Council members remained deadlocked between two finalists after over 25 votes

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Clarksville City Council has voted to postpone the appointment process for selecting a new Ward 2 councilperson due to a voting stalemate between two final candidates, AC Lopez and Eric Claunch. After over 25 votes, the council remained evenly split, with no member changing their position. The appointment process will now resume on February 19th.

Why it matters

The Ward 2 council seat has been vacant since the previous representative stepped down, and the city is eager to fill the position. The stalemate highlights the challenges that can arise in the political appointment process when council members have differing views on the best candidate.

The details

During a special session on Wednesday, the Clarksville City Council heard from seven candidates vying for the Ward 2 council seat. After deliberations, the field was narrowed down to two finalists - AC Lopez and Eric Claunch. The council then proceeded to vote more than 25 times between the two candidates, but the vote remained deadlocked, with half the council members supporting Lopez and the other half supporting Claunch. Despite each candidate being given three minutes to plead their case, no council member changed their position.

  • The Clarksville City Council held a special session on Wednesday, February 12, 2026 to appoint a new Ward 2 councilperson.
  • The appointment process was postponed until Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

The players

AC Lopez

One of the two finalists for the Clarksville City Council Ward 2 seat.

Eric Claunch

One of the two finalists for the Clarksville City Council Ward 2 seat.

Brian Zacharias

Clarksville City Council member who voted in favor of Eric Claunch.

Keri Lovato

Clarksville City Council member who was previously appointed to the council in 2023 and offered advice to the future Ward 2 representative.

Joe Pitts

Mayor of Clarksville who thanked the seven citizens who stepped up to be considered for the appointment.

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What they’re saying

“Being appointed to the city council is a unique and humbling experience. When I was appointed, I had more questions than answers, and I am grateful for the perspective that gave me. I commend everyone who put their name forward and was willing to serve.”

— Keri Lovato, Clarksville City Council member (Clarksville Now)

“My advice to the next Ward 2 council member is to come to the table with a listening heart. Listen to fellow council members, to department heads who know and love this city, and most importantly to constituents. Deanna McLaughlin set a high bar in this regard. She had a rare ability to walk alongside Clarksvillians through difficult seasons, offering both leadership and compassion. My hope is that the next person steps into the role with that same eagerness.”

— Keri Lovato, Clarksville City Council member (Clarksville Now)

“Thank you to the seven citizens who stepped up to be considered for appointment to the City Council. Public service is without question equal parts the most difficult but most rewarding responsibility as a citizen of this city. We look forward to welcoming the thirteenth member of the council at the meeting this afternoon.”

— Joe Pitts, Mayor of Clarksville (Clarksville Now)

What’s next

The Clarksville City Council will resume the appointment process for the Ward 2 seat on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

The takeaway

The stalemate in the Clarksville City Council's appointment process highlights the challenges that can arise when elected officials have differing views on the best candidate for a position. It underscores the importance of compromise and consensus-building in local government decision-making.