LEXINGTON— Voters in the 2nd Council District will choose between two candidates with strong ties to political families in the upcoming general election on November 5. Incumbent Councilwoman Shayla Lynch, who has served since 2023, is running against former Councilman Jacques Wigginton, who previously held a council seat from 2000 to 2006.
Lynch, a 45-year-old lawyer originally from Hopkinsville, regards her track record as proof of her capability. She successfully unseated incumbent Josh McCurn in the previous election, winning support for her efforts in community development and civil rights. Lynch has raised over $10,000 for her campaign while retaining a significant portion for upcoming expenses. “I have a proven track record of getting things done,” Lynch stated. She emphasized her experience in fair housing and community service, which she has engaged in for over 20 years.
During her term, Lynch has co-sponsored legislation aimed at preventing housing discrimination and ensuring equal access to housing resources. Notable achievements include securing $5 million for the replacement of the Douglass Pool and $950,000 for repaving the Masterson Station fairgrounds. Additionally, she has championed traffic safety measures, particularly concerning pedestrian safety on Georgetown and Leestown Road.
In contrast, Jacques Wigginton, 59, emphasizes the need for experienced leadership amid high turnover in the council seat. Wigginton cites his long-standing connection to the district and his previous experience as vital for addressing pressing issues like gun violence and housing shortages. He has not actively fundraised for his campaign but believes his past contributions to affordable housing efforts give him a competitive edge.
Wigginton argues that the city needs to improve its approach to gun violence beyond the statistics of injury and death. He suggests establishing neighborhood ombudsmen who could serve as liaisons between police and the community. Furthermore, he has innovative ideas to support smaller home builders, which he believes could alleviate the housing crisis. Previously, Wigginton faced scrutiny for not promptly submitting travel receipts during his council tenure, but he insists his experiences helped secure funding for the city.
Both candidates share similar platforms regarding the city’s gun violence prevention program, One Lexington, although they emphasize that more work is necessary to address issues affecting broader age demographics. While Wigginton wants to focus on neighborhood resources, Lynch advocates for enhanced services for victims of gun violence.
With diverse proposals and candidates rooted in Lexington’s political scene, the upcoming election promises to be a pivotal moment for the 2nd Council District, reflecting the city’s continued evolution in governance.
