Paducah Mayor George Bray Files Statement of Candidacy as Independent to Ensure All Voters Have a Voice in McCracken County Judge Executive Race
McCracken County, Kentucky — Mayor George Bray today announced he has filed his Statement of Candidacy as an Independent candidate for McCracken County Judge Executive—ensuring that the future leadership of the county will not be decided by a limited group of voters in a partisan primary.
Without an Independent candidate in the race, the McCracken County Judge Executive election would be decided during the May Primary, rather than in the broader November election when all voters can participate.
Bray said this critical leadership position needs to be made in the November General Election when ALL registered voters in McCracken County can make their choice clear.
“Every Voter Deserves a Voice”
“Every voter in McCracken County deserves a voice in choosing their next Judge Executive,” Bray said. “Without a choice in November, that decision would be made in May by a limited number of voters. I’m running to ensure that all citizens—regardless of party—can participate in this important decision in November.”
Bray emphasized that his decision to run as an Independent reflects his long-standing commitment to putting people over politics and representing the entire community.
“As Mayor, I have worked to serve everyone—inside the Paducah city limits and all across McCracken County,” Bray said.
“This campaign is about inclusion, transparency, and making sure every voice is heard—not just those in one party.”
Focused on Leadership That Serves Everyone
Bray also reaffirmed his commitment to transparent leadership and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
“This is about the future of McCracken County,” he added.
“We are on the precipice of the greatest growth in a generation and leadership matters. Leadership should be decided by the people — all the people.”
Campaign Focus
Inclusive and responsive leadership that listens to all voices
Transparency and accountability in government
Responsible and optimal use of taxpayer resources
Solutions that reflect the needs of the entire community
About George Bray
George Bray was first elected Paducah’s 40th Mayor in November 2020 and was reelected to his second term in November 2024. He has committed himself to economic development and job growth for Paducah and McCracken County. He has helped lead the vigorous recruitment of new businesses at the triple rail site and the Paducah Department of Energy site which has opened exciting opportunities for nuclear energy. In addition, he has supported small business growth and the enablement of entrepreneurs in the broader community. Mayor George Bray has led by driving transparency in the workings of government while utilizing financial resources wisely and diligently.
Mayor Bray is an experienced businessman with undergraduate and graduate degrees in business and more than 40 years of experience leading and working with people of all walks of life. Mayor Bray grew up in Paducah and after graduating from St. Mary High School, he earned a degree in Marketing and Business Management from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and later earned an MBA from the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University.
