Ten Candidates Will Compete for Johnson City Seats
A crowded field of ten hopefuls is vying for two open seats on the Johnson City Commission this November.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Elections

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Ten candidates are set to compete for two open seats on the Johnson City Commission in the upcoming November 3, 2026 election. Local media coverage has launched a multi-part interview series to introduce the public to those running for office.
Why it matters
The outcome of this race will determine the future direction of the commission as voters weigh the diverse backgrounds and experience levels of the ten candidates. The local election cycle highlights the public interest in city governance as the community prepares for the November vote.
Ten candidates are officially on the ballot competing for two open commission seats. The race involves a diverse group of individuals including local business owners and former city officials.
The players
Pete Paduch
He previously served multiple terms on the commission and as the mayor of Johnson City.
Sylvain Bruni
He currently serves as the chair of the Washington County Democratic Party.
Gary Kalogeros
He is a local business owner and developer in the Johnson City area.
Aaron Murphy
He is a pastor leading Good Samaritan Ministries who previously served one term as a commissioner.
Tricia Korade
She serves as a member of the city's Senior Services Board and the Board of Equalization.
The details
Candidates are currently participating in a two-part interview series broadcast by a local station to share their platforms. Full video recordings of these discussions are available for residents to review on the WCYB YouTube channel.
Timeline
1990s and 2000s: Pete Paduch served on the commission.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026: Part two of the candidate interview series airs and releases online.
Political Context
The intense competition for two seats reflects an active local engagement with municipal governance. Opponents often emphasize that the high candidate count complicates the voter decision-making process by diluting the focus on specific policy agendas.
Residents should review the ongoing interview series to understand how each candidate intends to manage city resources and influence future local ordinances. Voters can use these resources to prepare for the November 3 election, which will directly shape the commission's legislative agenda.
The takeaway
Voters are encouraged to utilize the published interview series to research the backgrounds of all ten candidates before the upcoming election. Staying informed on candidate stances ensures that the public can make choices aligned with the needs of the Johnson City community.
Further reading
Learn more about the local political environment in the Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCYB.
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