2026 Kentucky General Election

Robert R. BLYTHE

Buket Urgen

By the time he served as president of his senior class at EKU, it was obvious that a bright future awaited the 1971 graduate. But, just four years earlier, he had arrived on the Richmond campus “somewhat shy,” as he continued to live at his parents’ nearby home.

Leading a Life of Service

But, just four years earlier, he had arrived on the Richmond campus “somewhat shy,” as he continued to live at his parents’ nearby home. That reticence quickly faded as the mathematics major “learned who I was” and met “new people from places I did not know.”

At the time, he had no formal theological training, but he went on to earn master’s and doctoral degrees in divinity. Rev. Blythe continues serving the church as pastor, having led the congregation through the construction of a new facility and retiring the church’s 30-year debt in just 13 years.

Robert R. Blythe graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1971, where he majored in mathematics. He later earned master’s and doctoral degrees in divinity.

Leading a Life of Service - Eastern Kentucky University

Then, in 1981, an opportunity arose to succeed his pastor, mentor and “greatest inspiration,” Rev. A. G. Goodloe, at his home church, First Baptist, at 302 Francis St. in Richmond.

As he began his career teaching mathematics at the high school and middle school levels, initially in Gary, Indiana, little could Rev. Blythe foresee then what direction his life would one day take.

Meanwhile, he continued to teach in local public schools and in 1993 began an 18-year tenure at his alma mater, where he sought to help EKU students “learn how to learn.”

Robert R. Blythe continues to serve as pastor of First Baptist in Richmond. He previously taught mathematics at the high school and middle school levels in Gary, Indiana, and taught in local public schools and at his alma mater.

In 2002, two years after failing in his first bid for public office, Rev. Blythe made good on his own second chance, winning the first of eight consecutive two-year terms on the Richmond City Commission. Then, in 2018, he became the first African American ever to be elected Richmond mayor.

In 2002, two years after failing in his first bid for public office, Rev. Blythe made good on his own second chance, winning the first of eight consecutive two-year terms on the Richmond City Commission. Then, in 2018, he became the first African American ever to be elected Richmond mayor. He was re-elected in 2022.

Then, in 2018, he became the first African American ever to be elected Richmond mayor. He was re-elected in 2022.

Even just moments after his win Tuesday, Mayor Blythe recalled losing an election in 1977 for city commissioner by just 11 votes. The mayor said it’s a good reminder that every vote counts.

Incumbent Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe wins a second term

Robert was elected mayor of Richmond in 2018 and reelected in 2022. He previously served eight consecutive two-year terms on the Richmond City Commission after first being elected in 2002. He ran unsuccessfully for city commissioner in 1977.

Incumbent Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe wins a second term | WEKU

As of October 6, 2026, Robert R. BLYTHE’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Education

Plans to focus on homelessness in Richmond.

Mayor Blythe said going forward, he wants to focus on the issue of homelessness in the city.

“And also providing a more adequate facility for our police department and I definitely want the city to take a very close look at what is truly affordable housing,” said Mayor Blythe.

Wants the city to closely examine what constitutes affordable housing.

Housing & Urban Development

Wants to provide a more suitable facility for the police department.

Public Safety

Public Services

Transportation & Infrastructure

Economy

Ed MCDANIEL

- The duties of the mayor depend on the type of government within the city, 
- If the city has a mayor-council form of government, the mayor is responsible for the executive and administrative functions of the government. They oversee all city departments, but cannot vote in most council matters. 
- If the city has a mayor-aldermen form of government, the mayor is responsible for executing and enforcing local and state laws. The mayor may appoint city officials with approval from the aldermen. 
- If the city has a mayor-commission form of government, the mayor presides over the city commissioners and can vote within the commission. The mayor is responsible for executing all decisions reached by the commission. 
- If the city has a city manager form of government, the mayor presides over the city commissioners and can vote within the commission. The mayor is recognized as the head of the city department but does not have any regular administrative duties. 
- City mayors are elected during general elections for a four-year term. Most cities in Kentucky hold nonpartisan elections for mayor. 