Meet George Bray

Why I’m Running

The answer is simple… we’ve accomplished a lot, but there’s more we can do… together.

I ran for Mayor in 2020 on the platform that Bray Means Business and that remains my commitment to the citizens of Paducah in 2024. Over the past 3 1⁄2 years we’ve taken a stance of balancing carefully between economic projects that are adding jobs, and development projects that add to our quality of life. That approach is showing results. Our population is growing again after decades of stagnation or decline. As the Mayor leading that effort, it’s been exciting to see Paducah begin its return as a leading city in the state and region.

You’ll remember I said WE’VE accomplished a lot, and I mean it. Since being elected, I have sought to increase collaboration between government, citizens and neighborhood groups. I’ve added more energy, more diversity, and more experience to our local boards and have led the board of commissioners in making sound financial decisions focusing on the right issues to ensure Paducah is headed in the right direction.

Family is important to me and between us, my wife, Angela West Bray, and I have eight children. We are committed to this city as a family and just like you we are seeking to build a community that our children can and want to return to live and work. I am a 6th generation native of Paducah, my daughter and granddaughter who are residents of Paducah represent the 7th and 8th generations. My grandfather, George Thomas, sought to build Paducah as a successful city commissioner in the early 1950s, and my cousin, Buz Smith, now serves with me as a city commissioner.

As Mayor, I have applied 40+ years of successful professional management experience and a highly developed skill set of motivating teams of diverse people. I have a strong track record of
accomplishing goals by acknowledging the strength we all possess as a coalition striving for a common goal. I am a living, breathing example of “how much we can all accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”

Since being elected in 2020 I have not been willing to accept the status quo, instead I’ve provided consistent, fair, and experienced leadership that will continue to move Paducah forward. I have a vested interest in the success of Paducah and a history of selflessly leading. It will be an honor to serve as your mayor for another term. I invite you to read my full bio.