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Hendersonville

Hendersonville to Hold Mayoral Election November 3

Candidates Jennifer Hensley and Jerry Smith compete for the nonpartisan mayoral seat in Hendersonville.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a stylized city hall building facade, evoking the gravity of a local municipal election.
Hendersonville voters will cast ballots on November 3, 2026, to elect either Jennifer Hensley or Jerry Smith as the city's next mayor. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should city leaders prioritize urban growth over preserving your community's historic hometown character?

Hendersonville voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide the outcome of a nonpartisan race for mayor. The contest features candidates Jennifer Hensley and Jerry Smith.

Why it matters

This election determines the future leadership of the city as both candidates leverage their extensive experience on the Hendersonville City Council. Residents are preparing to select the successor who will guide the city's municipal policies.

Jennifer Hensley has reported $36,000 in campaign fundraising for the race. Jerry Smith served on the Hendersonville City Council for 14 years before his campaign.

The players

Jennifer Hensley

She has served on the Hendersonville City Council since 2019 and previously held the role of mayor pro tempore.

Jerry Smith

He served on the Hendersonville City Council for 14 years and worked as a teacher and coach at Hendersonville High School for 23 years.

The details

Jennifer Hensley has served on the Hendersonville City Council since 2019 and held the position of mayor pro tempore for two years. Jerry Smith, who moved to the city in 2000, served on the council from 2009 to 2023 and also held the role of mayor pro tempore from 2019 to 2021.

Timeline

  1. Jerry Smith moved to Hendersonville in 2000.

  2. Jennifer Hensley moved to Hendersonville in 2004.

  3. Jerry Smith served on City Council from 2009 to 2023.

  4. Jennifer Hensley served on City Council from 2019 to 2026.

  5. The Hendersonville mayoral election will occur on November 3, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents often emphasize different interpretations of the city's growth, particularly regarding zoning and development issues along U.S. Highway 64. Some residents have pushed back against the candidates' shared history on the council, arguing for a fresh perspective on local leadership.

The outcome will directly affect local infrastructure decisions, such as the downtown parking deck project on Main Street and new housing developments along U.S. Highway 64. Voters will determine the municipal direction for the city following the November 3 election.

The takeaway

Voters should review the past voting records of both candidates on the Hendersonville City Council to understand their stance on current development projects. Engaging with local candidate forums will provide additional clarity on their proposed policies for the coming term.

What happens next

The mayoral election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, when ballots will be cast by Hendersonville residents.

Further reading

For more information on upcoming local elections, visit the Hendersonville City Hall section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WLOS.

Live Poll

Should city leaders prioritize urban growth over preserving your community's historic hometown character?