January 6, 2026

Tina Burnell Announces Candidacy for Louisville Metro Council

Louisville, Kentucky, January 6, 2026

Tina Burnell, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Craig Greenberg, is launching her campaign for the Louisville Metro Council to represent the 22nd district. Focused on transparency and ethics in government, Burnell aims to enhance public accountability. She founded the Louisville Metro Watchdog Alliance and has seven years of volunteer experience with local police. Her entry into the race adds to a competitive field, including former state representative Kevin D. Bratcher. As the political landscape shifts ahead of the upcoming election, Burnell’s candidacy is sure to bring fresh perspectives.

Louisville, Kentucky – Former Deputy Chief of Staff Launches Campaign for Metro Council

Tina Burnell, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, has announced her candidacy for the Louisville Metro Council, aiming to represent the 22nd district. Her campaign focuses on enhancing transparency, ethics, and public accountability within local government.

Background and Campaign Focus

Burnell founded the Louisville Metro Watchdog Alliance, a civic group dedicated to promoting open government and responsible use of public funds. She has also volunteered with the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service program for seven years, earning a presidential volunteerism award for her efforts. A graduate of Valley High School, Burnell holds a degree in business administration.

Political Landscape

Burnell’s entry into the race adds to a growing field of candidates for the 22nd district seat on the Louisville Metro Council. Notably, Kevin D. Bratcher, a Republican who served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1997 to 2025, is also running for this position. Bratcher did not seek reelection to the state house in 2024, choosing instead to pursue the Metro Council seat. His extensive experience in state politics positions him as a significant contender in the race.

Recent Developments in Louisville Politics

In recent months, Louisville has seen several notable political developments. In October 2025, Mayor Craig Greenberg appointed Deputy Mayor David James as the interim Jefferson County sheriff and State Senator David Yates as the interim Jefferson County clerk. These appointments reflect the administration’s ongoing efforts to address leadership vacancies within the county’s key offices.

Additionally, in January 2025, the Louisville Metro Council’s Majority Caucus elected new leadership for the year. Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins was chosen to serve as the Democratic Caucus Chair and Metro Council President Pro Tem, highlighting the council’s commitment to fostering strong communication between local government and the communities it serves.

As the 2026 election approaches, Louisville’s political landscape continues to evolve, with candidates like Burnell and Bratcher bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. Voters can anticipate a dynamic and competitive election season ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Tina Burnell?

Tina Burnell is the former Deputy Chief of Staff to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. She is the founder of the Louisville Metro Watchdog Alliance, a civic group dedicated to promoting open government and responsible use of public funds. Burnell has also volunteered with the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service program for seven years and holds a degree in business administration.

What is the Louisville Metro Watchdog Alliance?

The Louisville Metro Watchdog Alliance is a civic group founded by Tina Burnell that focuses on promoting open government, citizen oversight, and responsible use of public funds within Louisville’s local government.

Who is Kevin D. Bratcher?

Kevin D. Bratcher is a Republican politician who served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1997 to 2025. In 2024, he chose not to seek reelection to the state house and is now running for the 22nd district seat on the Louisville Metro Council.

What recent political developments have occurred in Louisville?

In October 2025, Mayor Craig Greenberg appointed Deputy Mayor David James as the interim Jefferson County sheriff and State Senator David Yates as the interim Jefferson County clerk. Additionally, in January 2025, the Louisville Metro Council’s Majority Caucus elected Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins as the Democratic Caucus Chair and Metro Council President Pro Tem.

What is the significance of the 2026 Louisville Metro Council election?

The 2026 Louisville Metro Council election is significant as it features a growing field of candidates, including Tina Burnell and Kevin D. Bratcher, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. Voters can anticipate a dynamic and competitive election season ahead.

Key Features of the Article

Feature	Description
Tina Burnell’s Candidacy	Former Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Craig Greenberg, founder of the Louisville Metro Watchdog Alliance, and volunteer with the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service program for seven years, holding a degree in business administration.
Kevin D. Bratcher’s Background	Republican politician who served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1997 to 2025, now running for the 22nd district seat on the Louisville Metro Council after choosing not to seek reelection to the state house in 2024.
Recent Political Developments	In October 2025, Mayor Craig Greenberg appointed Deputy Mayor David James as the interim Jefferson County sheriff and State Senator David Yates as the interim Jefferson County clerk. In January 2025, the Louisville Metro Council’s Majority Caucus elected Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins as the Democratic Caucus Chair and Metro Council President Pro Tem.
2026 Election Outlook	The 2026 Louisville Metro Council election is shaping up to be dynamic and competitive, with candidates like Burnell and Bratcher bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, offering voters a range of choices.