The Homestretch: Radcliff’s Mayoral Campaigns Are Beginning to Separate 

By T.W. Shortt, Radcliff Councilman (2015-2016), Co-Founder of the Radcliff Small Business Alliance, and Local Business Owner 

As we enter the homestretch of the 2026 Radcliff mayoral race, something has changed. 

Following the May primary, the contest between Toshie Murrell and Terry Owens could hardly have been closer. Murrell received 862 votes and Owens 857—a difference of only five votes. 

It reminded me of the 1996 Kentucky Derby, when Grindstone caught Cavonnier at the finish and won by a nose. 

In August, I described the mayoral contest as a “look-alike race.” Both candidates had substantial résumés, City Council experience and records of community involvement. My question was simple: Where is the difference? 

Today, I believe differences between the campaigns are becoming much more visible. 

From my observation, Murrell is presently running the more visible campaign. Her signs appear more prevalent throughout Radcliff. Her community outreach has been active, and she has discussed community improvements and sought public input. 

Mayor J.J. Duvall has also appeared publicly with Murrell in circumstances that could be viewed as demonstrating political support. 

Campaign-finance records provide another measurable difference between the campaigns. 

According to Kentucky Registry of Election Finance records available as I write this, Murrell’s active general-election campaign reports $4,703.92 in receipts and $519.77 in expenditures. Her closed primary campaign reported $13,011 in receipts and $13,011 in expenditures. 

Owens’ current KREF record reports $0 in receipts and $0 in expenditures for the general election, as did her closed primary campaign. 

Those figures are only snapshots of the campaigns’ financial activity. Additional campaign-finance reports are still due, and the numbers may change as new filings are submitted. I intend to review those reports before drawing further conclusions about either campaign.

The Owens campaign is not required to file the same pre-General reports if it has elected to receive and spend under $5,000 for the 2026 General Election. Under KREF’s 2026 schedule, the September 16, October 13, and October 28 pre-General reports apply to candidates who elected to receive or spend over $5,000. All general-election candidates are still subject to post-election reporting.

Money should not be confused with votes. 

Campaign contributions, yard signs, endorsements, advertising, and public appearances do not determine an election or tell us who would govern effectively. The May primary itself demonstrates how closely divided Radcliff voters were: only five votes separated these two candidates. 

What these indicators can tell us is how the campaigns are developing. 

At this stage, Murrell’s campaign shows greater visible activity and more reported financial activity. Owens still has a chance to present her own case to Radcliff voters. 

The more important question remains the one I raised in August: What would each candidate do as mayor? 

Radcliff voters deserve specific answers about economic development, public safety, housing, infrastructure, Fort Knox and our aging commercial corridors. 

The primary was nearly decided by a nose. 

The general election has entered the homestretch. 

Now is the time for both campaigns to show Radcliff voters exactly where their candidates intend to take the city. 

Tags: OPINION