Radford Mayor Opts Not to Run for Reelection

Radford Mayor David Horton announced on May 1, 2026 — exactly eight years after he was first elected — that he will not be running for reelection this November.

"I've had a lot of people reach out over the last months and weeks and ask if I'm going to continue to serve as mayor, and have encouraged me to run again in the election this November and I wanted to let you know as much as I appreciate that, I think I'm going to take a break from elected office for the time being," Horton said.

Horton emphasized that his departure is not permanent. "This is not a goodbye forever but it is a pause and my name won't be on the ballot this November but I want you to know I am going to serve the rest of my term and work really hard for the city to continue some of the things that we've started and to move forward in positive ways for Radford," he said.

"Serving Radford citizens as mayor has been a great honor," Horton said via email. "I'm not retiring but taking a break to do some other things that I have been putting off for the past eight years. I will always be a public servant and work to help our community and citizens achieve their goals and dreams."

With the city's FY2026 budget recently approved, Horton said he will use his remaining time on council to keep the city moving forward. "We have done our best for all of you during unprecedented times and will continue to do so," he said.

Radford Vice Mayor Seth Gillespie has announced his candidacy for the mayoral seat in the upcoming November 2026 election.