Three candidates are running for a two-year term as the mayor of Houston. Learn more about the candidates.
The current mayor is Viki Narancich. She is not seeking reelection.
Candidates are Sam Kelley, JD Hatcher and Kevin Stilley.
Sam Kelley
Tell us about yourself.
My wife Tracy and I have been married 32+ years. We have four grown children and five grandchildren with another to be here soon. We have lived inside the city limits for 8+ years. Our four children and I are alumni of Houston Schools. I was born and raised on a dairy farm in the Bendavis community. I started helping on our family farm when I was 10 years old. I worked, managed, then took ownership of our family farm. We sold the dairy in 2016 after being involved with it for 39 years so we would be able to have more time to enjoy our family and travel to see our children and grandkids. I currently still own and operate a cattle farm in the Bendavis community.
What makes you uniquely qualified for this role?
I have previously served on the Houston School Board for six years from 2011 to 2016, I have served on Houston City Council for three years. Two years previously from 2021 to 2023 then was reelected in 2024. This, along with my business experience, I feel makes me qualified. I feel I have the ability and time to be very present and involved in the city. My goal is to get the city and our employees back on a positive track while moving our city into a growing trend.
What is the most important project in the city in the next two years?
I believe there is more than one specific project that the city is currently working on to benefit our city and our residents. I have every intention to follow through with those that are in the works now and bring them to reality. One of which would be a feasible and affordable way to develop a baseball/softball quadplex. The city is currently working to bring a more reliable internet service to the city. One that will be installed and hooked up in a much more timely and efficient manner than we currently are able to do at this time. With a fair and reasonable cost, great customer service and faster speeds than most have now. The city understands that this reliable service is one of the most required and sought after by our businesses and citizens.
When hiring a new economic developer, what is your expectation for the role?
My expectations of an economic developer are a person that has the knowledge and passion to help improve our city. With the use of available grants and other available funding resources and working with state and federal economic departments to secure funding that is available to help our city grow in the areas of businesses, housing, recreation and infrastructure.
Cite how you view the city government’s current operation and discuss some positive trends and areas that need improvement.
I feel the city is beginning to head in a positive direction with replacing several of our outdated utility poles and an evaluation of our electrical system. We have completed an inspection of the sewer lines. We have currently approved a GIS mapping system that will cover all utilities, planning and zoning areas and ward districts. I strongly believe it is important to keep all the city’s infrastructure up to date and in good working condition. I will continue to see this as a priority. I feel areas that need the most improvement have to do with updating ordinances and enforcing them.
JD Hatcher
Tell us about yourself.
There are often rewards for living a disciplined life that go beyond being given the honor to be the mayor. There are rewards for doing the right thing, putting one’s priorities into perspective and continuing to struggle along the way to whatever dreams my life may have. I have lived in Texas County, Missouri all my life, minus the years I lived in Springfield, Missouri, while getting a college degree. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Drury University. I am a blessed father of three children, and a husband to their wonderful mother. April and I are raising two twin children that attend kindergarten here, and an adult daughter (Summer Hatcher) that lives in Poplar Bluff, Missouri; finishing her college degree at Three Rivers College in May 2025. We are all proud to call Houston our home.
What makes you uniquely qualified for this role?
I have a heart for the people, and I understand the people of Houston, Missouri. The other candidates have been around for years; how did the electric bill get this expensive? I believe I have a better plan for the future, and more real world experience than the other candidates. I will always be polite, open and transparent. I work right here in the community and interact with the citizenry on a daily basis and understand the people. As mayor, I will always have an open phone for a concern or suggestion. I will bring back sanctity to the city, respect you no matter what your public status or how much money you may have, or what your last name may be. I’m a really good ole boy (no strings on me, I am not a puppet, and my nose doesn’t grow) and I ain’t no Pinocchio. I will do any job needed in the city as mayor; anytime the city needs it, even if it’s manual labor.
What is the most important project in the city in the next two years?
I will have many projects. I will have a project focused on getting the electric bills down in the community. The leadership in this community has done a wonderful job erecting the Houston Alternative Learning Opportunity (HALO) center. I would like to thank the community for that wonderful project. The new storm shelter and library facility are probably the more important projects that are near complete. As the mayor, no matter which projects we decide to have, rather it be the Houston House / TCMH Link Project that will focus on improvements in communication between institutions to improve patient outcomes. I want you to know, I will work hard to have an amazing hospital while I’m the mayor. I’m going to focus on making sure there is a city pound/city animal shelter/animal control facility to address community concerns over animal issues such as overpopulation of stray animals and feral/nuisances. The Sidewalk Improvement Project will eliminate hazards and improve safety for pedestrians. I will also do my best to make sure projects we do approve will have multiple bids before a contract is offered, and the best contractors will be doing business with the City of Houston, Missouri.Â
When hiring a new economic developer, what is your expectation for the role?
Hopefully he could help chill out the arguing and disagreements between the Chamber of Commerce of Houston, Missouri and the City of Houston, Missouri’s leadership. I will be dedicated to working with the area Chamber of Commerce and we are going to get along and it’s going to be fun. I don’t expect the new economic developer to have a crystal ball or anything. He will be valuable to business development and communications between various entities. There should be a list of job expectations in the job description when people apply to the position, and as your mayor, I will get those posted.Â
Cite how you view the city government’s current operation and discuss some positive trends and areas that need improvement.
I think the city government is fully capable of doing amazing things with good ole JD Hatcher as Mayor. It might be beneficial to have a pilot program for people interested in part-time city jobs over the summer. It would help the community with any labor shortage. I think having electric bills as high as they are could possibly be an area of improvement the city should focus on. I will do my best as mayor to bring your electric bill down. I am impressed by the professionalism displayed by the Houston Police Department (HPD) anytime I have ever seen them work. They always put community safety as their top priority. The current city leaders (aldermen, mayor, city administrator and others) are valuable to the city. They are professional and transparent, but I don’t think they have the political worldview to understand there is a need for change. I will be looking forward to working with any new elected leaders in the community and making the community a better place to live. Some of the workers in the city need to work on being more authentic and not so wishy washy up at the city. Treat people as you would like to be treated, be professional and relax a little bit.Â
Kevin Stilley
Tell us about yourself.
I have lived in Houston my entire life, having been born and raised here. I graduated from high school in 1987. I am happily married to my wife, and we have been residing in Houston for nearly 26 years. We have four amazing children. I pride myself on being a community leader. My leadership skills make me a strong candidate for the role of mayor. I have served as president of the Diamond Club for three years and currently sit on the chamber board. Additionally, I have spent six years on the city council, gaining a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to ensure the city runs smoothly. I am also a proud 37-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 453 and have been with my current employer for over 25 years, holding a leadership role for the past 15 years. Anyone who knows me is aware of my deep love for this community and the people who live here.
What makes you uniquely qualified for this role?
I am well-qualified to serve as mayor, bringing a strong combination of experience, leadership and community involvement. With six years on the city council, I have gained in-depth knowledge of city operations and understand what it takes to govern effectively. Additionally, my 17 years as a supervisor have honed my leadership and management skills, equipping me to bring stability to the city’s workforce. I am deeply committed to the community, currently serving as a chamber board member and actively participating in several local organizations. As mayor, I will work to restore the community’s trust in city leadership while uniting local leaders around a common goal – moving the City of Houston forward. Through strong leadership, collaboration and a vision for progress, I am ready to serve and make a lasting impact.
What is the most important project in the city in the next two years?
As mayor, I would prioritize the completion of the quadplex, a project funded by taxpayer dollars. Our citizens deserve to see tangible progress, and I am committed to ensuring it moves forward efficiently. However, I recognize that the city has multiple pressing needs beyond this project. One critical issue is the shortage of day care options. I would collaborate with community leaders and existing day care providers to find effective solutions to expand access for families. Housing is another major focus. While we are on the right track, thanks to the efforts of several contractors working to expand housing options, I will continue to support and encourage responsible development to meet the growing demand. Additionally, we must continue improving our city’s infrastructure. This includes replacing power poles on a set schedule and addressing the inflow and infiltration (INI) problem, which allows stormwater to flow into our sewer system. Proactive maintenance and upgrades will ensure a stronger, more reliable foundation for our city’s future.
When hiring a new economic developer, what is your expectation for the role?
When hiring an economic developer, I would seek someone who actively engages with the community, builds relationships with business owners and understands their needs. This role is crucial in shaping the city’s economic future by identifying opportunities for growth and development. A strong economic developer must also be skilled in grant writing and working with state and local officials to secure funding and attract potential employers. Their ability to bring new businesses to Houston while supporting existing ones will be key to our city’s long-term success. This position plays a vital role in driving economic progress, fostering business growth and ensuring a thriving local economy.
Cite how you view the city government’s current operation and discuss some positive trends and areas that need improvement.
Our city government is facing significant challenges that require urgent attention. Reports of council members harassing and intimidating city workers distract from the real issues. The most commendable aspect of our city is its dedicated workforce – hardworking individuals who go above and beyond for our community. A pressing issue is the lack of clear policies and procedures. For example, the inconsistent process surrounding building permits leads to confusion and halted projects. We need a transparent system that everyone can trust, one that remains stable regardless of leadership changes. What our city needs most is change and stability. It’s essential to end the infighting and micromanagement that have disrupted our operations for too long. We require leadership that respects our workers, adheres to fair policies and prioritizes community needs. Together, we can foster growth, transparency and true collaboration.Â