James Brown elected Lexington’s first African American vice mayor

James Brown has been elected Lexington’s first African American vice mayor, after securing the vice mayor seat by finishing first in the councilmember-at-large race, WKYT reported on Nov. 4, 2026.

WKYT said Brown’s election followed the at-large council race, where the candidate who finished first would also earn the vice mayor position. Under that process, Brown’s placement determined the vice mayor outcome.

The election marks a historic milestone for Lexington’s city leadership, with Brown becoming the first African American to hold the vice mayor post in the city, WKYT reported.

Brown’s win also reflects the outcome of the broader at-large council contest, in which voters selected the councilmember-at-large candidates and the top finisher then secured the additional vice mayor seat.

For city residents, the change means Lexington will have a vice mayor role filled by someone who, as WKYT characterized it, is making history in local government representation, at a time when municipal leadership is closely watched for its impact on neighborhood services and public priorities.

Brown’s election sets up the next phase of the municipal transition process, including the start of his term as vice mayor, WKYT reported. Additional details on timing and responsibilities were not included in the report.