Metro Councilmember Joy Styles announces bid for Nashville mayor

Styles is the first candidate to officially enter the 2027 mayoral race against incumbent Freddie O'Connell.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Metro Councilmember Joy Styles announced on Tuesday that she will run for mayor of Nashville in the August 2027 election, becoming the first candidate to officially enter the race. Styles, who is currently serving her second term on the Metro Council representing the Antioch area, has built a reputation as a pro-business lawmaker while also supporting public safety initiatives.

Why it matters

Styles' announcement sets the stage for a likely contest against incumbent Mayor Freddie O'Connell, who is widely expected to seek reelection. If elected, Styles would make history as the first mayor from the Antioch area and the first Black mayor of Nashville.

The details

In her remarks, Styles criticized the O'Connell administration for what she described as a lack of progress on the redevelopment of the former Hickory Hollow Mall site, which the city purchased in 2022. Styles has also clashed with O'Connell's team over reforms to the city's Arts Commission and played a key role in establishing Nashville's entertainment commission.

  • Styles announced her campaign on Tuesday, January 29, 2026.
  • The Nashville mayoral election is scheduled for August 2027.

The players

Joy Styles

Metro Councilmember representing the Antioch area, who is running for mayor of Nashville in the 2027 election.

Freddie O'Connell

The incumbent mayor of Nashville, who is widely expected to seek reelection in 2027.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm running because Nashville needs a fighter, someone who's going to fight for you and your neighborhood. Over the last six years, I've shown what inclusive leadership looks like. Antioch is the fastest growing part of the city. Development is booming in our part of the city because I work with developers and the community.”

— Joy Styles, Metro Councilmember

What’s next

Styles' campaign faces significant challenges, including building name recognition outside of her own council district and raising enough money to mount a competitive campaign against the incumbent mayor, who has already taken steps consistent with a reelection bid.

The takeaway

Styles' announcement sets the stage for a potentially contentious mayoral race in Nashville, with the Antioch area's rapid population growth elevating its political importance and Styles positioning herself as a pro-business, public safety-focused candidate who is willing to challenge the incumbent administration.