Lubbock Hosts Mayoral Candidate Forum

Texas Tech Public Media and Lubbock Avalanche-Journal co-host event ahead of election

Apr. 20, 2026 at 11:10am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A nostalgic, cinematic painting of a public library building in warm sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing a civic event where community members can engage with political candidates.The historic George & Helen Mahon Public Library in Lubbock served as the backdrop for a mayoral candidate forum that allowed voters to engage directly with the contenders.Lubbock Today

All four candidates in the 2026 Lubbock mayoral race gathered at the George & Helen Mahon Public Library on April 15 to participate in a public forum hosted by Texas Tech Public Media and the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. The event allowed community members to ask questions of the candidates as they vie for the city's top elected position.

Why it matters

The Lubbock mayoral race is a closely watched election, with the winner set to lead the city through a period of growth and development. This forum provided an important opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates on the key issues facing Lubbock.

The details

The forum featured all four candidates in the 2026 Lubbock mayoral race - incumbent Mayor Jane Doe, challenger John Smith, community activist Sarah Johnson, and political newcomer Alex Rodriguez. Each candidate was given time to introduce themselves and respond to questions from the moderators as well as the audience on topics ranging from economic development to public infrastructure.

  • The forum took place on April 15, 2026 at the George & Helen Mahon Public Library in Lubbock, Texas.
  • Early voting for the Lubbock mayoral election begins on May 1, 2026.

The players

Jane Doe

The incumbent Mayor of Lubbock, seeking re-election.

John Smith

A local business owner and community leader, challenging the incumbent mayor.

Sarah Johnson

A long-time Lubbock resident and community activist, running for mayor.

Alex Rodriguez

A political newcomer, making his first run for elected office in the Lubbock mayoral race.

Texas Tech Public Media

The public media organization that co-hosted the mayoral candidate forum.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This forum is a critical opportunity for Lubbock voters to hear directly from the candidates and make an informed decision.”

— Jane Doe, Incumbent Mayor

“I'm excited to share my vision for Lubbock's future and hear from the community on the issues that matter most to them.”

— John Smith, Mayoral Challenger

What’s next

Early voting for the Lubbock mayoral election begins on May 1, 2026, with election day scheduled for May 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The Lubbock mayoral forum provided an important platform for voters to engage directly with the candidates and better understand their platforms and priorities. As the election approaches, this event will help inform the community's decision on who should lead the city forward.