As the deadline for filing in the local May 2 elections arrived on Friday, February 13, a handful of candidates signed up, resulting in contested races for seats on the city council, and school and water district boards. 

By the end of the day, four candidates had filed for three open seats on the Canadian City Council. All four candidates—incumbents Gary Prater, Wendie Cook and Ashlee Talley, and newcomer Jennifer Ford—signed up as the deadline approached, setting up a contested council race in May. 

Likewise, Elizabeth Light signed up for re-election ahead of the filing deadline, joining fellow incumbents Marty Carr and Tom Isaacs, and first-time water board candidate Allen Hadaway. With only three seats up for grabs, that also lays the groundwork for a contested May 2 election.

Early in the filing period, both Rudy Godino and Heath Mitchell filed for re-election to the Canadian Independent School District board of directors. Bradley Flynn signed on as a candidate on deadline day, forcing a three-way contested election for two open school board seats. 

Veteran Hemphill County Hospital Board Sharon Carr was an early filer for another term of office, and was joined recently by Travis Macias, who will fill the seat long-held by Karen Gullett. Neither candidacy is contested, and the hospital district’s election will be cancelled.

Early voting for the Saturday, May 2, 2026 election begins on Monday, April 20, and ends on Tuesday, April 28. Those wishing to cast ballots in the May election must become registered voters no later than Thursday, April 2.

TO ANNOUNCE YOUR CANDIDACY:

Both prospective candidates and retiring board or council members are welcome to announce their candidacy in The Canadian Record. To do so, either call 806.570.3033 or email editor@canadianrecord.com (receipt will be confirmed). Candidates for office are encouraged to provide a photograph, as well as a brief statement explaining why they are seeking office.