If the primary tallies are any indication, Kloiber will need to mount a strong campaign going into the General Election if he wants to upset Gorton. The incumbent dominated the field in the primary, with more than 70% of the vote. Kloiber and Wallace fought a close battle for second, with Kloiber finishing one point ahead at 14%.
The newly-minted challenger has pointed to crime as a top issue where he sees Lexington failing to meet the moment. He told WKYT his opponent may have a longer resume when it comes to service in city government, but he’s looking forward to introducing himself to voters.
"It really is the difference between having change in the city and having more of the same," Kloiber said.
But Gorton argues Lexington has been on the right path under her leadership, and the public knows her well.
"People know my record," Gorton said. "They know I have led this county through a global pandemic."
Expect that experience versus change argument to be a central narrative in the race to November.
