LEXINGTON, Ky. — After seven years representing one of Lexington’s most diverse and active council districts, District 11 Councilmember Jennifer Reynolds announced Monday she will not seek re-election in 2026 — ending a tenure marked by community outreach, bilingual engagement, and hands-on neighborhood work.
Reynolds, first elected in 2018, said the decision was “extremely difficult” but rooted in the realities of a part-time pay structure for what she describes as full-time work.
“Serving on council in Lexington is considered a part-time position even though I have often dedicated 50 hours a week to it on top of maintaining another 20-hour-a-week job,” Reynolds said in a statement. “The reality of the current part-time pay for more than full-time work limits who can hold these positions, as it is not sustainable for the average Lexingtonian unless you have other financial means to support you.”
Reynolds emphasized that she is not ruling out a future run for public office but plans to “focus on other things” for now.
A tenure defined by outreach and equity
Over four terms, Reynolds became known for her advocacy on language access, tenant rights, and neighborhood revitalization — priorities she often advanced through partnerships with residents and nonprofits. Her office was the first in city government to operate fully bilingually in Spanish and English.
During the pandemic, Reynolds coordinated mask distribution, food access, and multilingual health updates, particularly for immigrant and refugee communities on Lexington’s west side. She also helped launch a monthly bilingual radio segment on RadioLex to keep residents informed.
Her statement highlighted a range of infrastructure and quality-of-life projects she helped shepherd, from the Versailles Road Improvement Project and Gardenside revitalization efforts to new park investments and Lextran’s art bus shelter initiative.
She also credited collaborations that led to affordable housing investments, a new Lexington Public Library branch on Versailles Road, and expansions at the Jesse Higginbotham Technology Training Center in Valley Park.
Broader impact across city policy
Beyond her district, Reynolds played a visible role in shaping citywide policy. She chaired both the Social Services and Public Safety Committee and the Mayor’s International Affairs Advisory Commission, and she supported measures to improve outreach to unhoused residents, expand paramedicine, and ban the retail sale of cats and dogs.
Her statement noted efforts to address odor issues at wastewater treatment plants, tackle gun violence, and push for translation of the city’s website into more than 100 languages.
Looking ahead
Reynolds’ departure will open up one of the council’s most competitive and closely watched seats in 2026. The 11th District spans parts of Cardinal Valley, Gardenside, and Meadowthorpe — areas with a mix of working-class neighborhoods, immigrant communities, and some of the city’s most active civic associations.
“I am extremely proud of advocating tirelessly for the residents of the 11th District,” Reynolds said. “It is a true honor to be your councilmember.”
She thanked Mayor Linda Gorton, city staff, and the 32 council colleagues she has served alongside since 2018.
Reynolds’ current term runs through January 2027. The filing deadline for the 2026 Urban County Council races will be later that year.
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The Lexington–Fayette Urban County Council meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 200 E. Main St. Meetings are open to the public and streamed online at lexingtonky.gov.
