Read Q&A's with each candidate below. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 words, answer the question provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Candidate Christopher Rector did not respond.

Early voting will begin April 24 and run through May 2. Election day is May 6.

* indicates incumbent







Ken Bowens Jr.



Experience: No previous elected official experience


Occupation: Business owner




Contact Information: 817-349-1421





Why are you running for office?



To bridge the gap to focus on Fort Worth as a whole and address all the needs of our community.



What are some of the biggest challenges facing Fort Worth?



The biggest challenges we face is the lack of awareness to our public safety, our city infrastructure and lack of effective resources for the unserved communities.



If elected, what would be your top priorities?



Focus on public safety/community policing, address the city infrastructure for our growing city, also amend and revise outdated city policies



If you are elected, what can residents expect from you?



A new city for all, new commitment, a new consistency, a new character and better transparency!












Jennifer Castillo



Experience: Air Force veteran, held top secret clearance, real estate entrepreneur, mortgage broker, business coach


Occupation: Entrepreneur- I own a real estate and a mortgage brokerage.




Contact Information: 817-319-0504





Why are you running for office?



Growing up in a military family, patriotism was instilled in me. I served in the U.S. Air Force, as did my siblings. Our upbringing taught us to value contributing to our country and communities. Fort Worth faces unprecedented challenges, and I am committed to finding solutions that work for everyone. I will ensure all members of our community have a voice and a seat at the table. Let's come together and call for change in our city.



What are some of the biggest challenges facing Fort Worth?



Fort Worth is facing critical challenges as we head into the local elections. Property taxes are too high, burdening residents and businesses, making it difficult for many to afford homes or operate profitably. Lack of affordable housing is another significant issue, leading to homelessness and social problems. Barriers and red tape also hinder business growth and development. We must find solutions to address these issues and create a better future for our city.



If elected, what would be your top priorities?



If elected, my priorities would be to create an accessible leadership climate, tackle property tax concerns, and implement transparency and accountability in local government. I would hold regular town hall meetings and establish a "Mayor's Office Hours" program to meet one-on-one with residents. I would establish an open data portal, require regular financial reporting and auditing, and strengthen ethics rules to ensure elected officials act in the community's best interest.



If you are elected, what can residents expect from you?



I am committed to being accessible, responsive and collaborative with the community. I will prioritize finding solutions to property tax concerns, establishing transparency and accountability in local government and exploring alternative revenue sources. My goal is to improve the well-being of our community by listening to residents, respecting their ideas and concerns and working collaboratively to create opportunities for everyone to thrive. Together, we can create a more equitable and accessible local government that benefits all residents.












Alyson Kennedy



Experience: I was the Socialist Workers Party candidate for president of the United States in 2016 and 2020. I have been a socialist and trade unionist for many decades and plan to organize working people in the Fort Worth area to fight for better conditions.


Occupation: Cashier




Contact Information: 817-899-6720





Why are you running for office?



To explain that working people need our own party, a labor party, based on the unions. To explain that the central issues facing working people will not be solved unless we stand up and fight for the things we need. We need a union led fight for a mass public works program to create jobs at union scale wages to build the things we need like hospitals, affordable housing and schools.



What are some of the biggest challenges facing Fort Worth?



Local, state and federal governments do not represent working people. I am representing the Socialist Workers Party in this election that believes we need a fundamental class change—a government of workers and farmers. Another challenge is defending constitutional freedoms—freedom of the press, freedom against arbitrary search and seizure, freedom of assembly—needed by working people to carry out our struggles for better conditions.



If elected what are your top priorities?



1. Supporting unions and the fight for jobs with wages and schedules so workers can survive and raise a family. The train disaster in East Palestine, Ohio shows the importance of the railroad unions' fight for safety, shorter trains, and bigger crews. 2. Amnesty for undocumented workers in the U.S. to be able to organize unions and build unity. 3. Building solidarity with the struggles of workers around the world like the battle by the Ukrainian people against Putin’s invasion.



If you are elected, what can residents expect from you?



If I were elected, it would mean support for a fundamental class change in government—a government of workers and farmers, not the Democratic and Republican party politicians of the wealthy capitalists. Then we could involve the unions and working people in constructing affordable housing, building schools where children can learn, solving social problems—drug addiction, crime, the decline in life expectancy.












Mattie Parker*



Experience: Mayor of Fort Worth (June 2021-present), chief of staff for Mayor Betsy Price


Occupation: Attorney, mayor of Fort Worth




Contact Information: 817-392-6118





Why are you running for office?



We’ve accomplished much in the past two years, and our work continues. I am running for re-election to continue my promise to help every neighborhood in every part of our city thrive and prosper. I will continue to be a champion for Fort Worth families by improving city infrastructure, reducing violent crime, attracting high-quality jobs, expanding access to educational resources, and creating the highest quality of life in every zip code.



What are some of the biggest challenges facing Fort Worth?



Managing tremendous growth, including economic development and mobility infrastructure, while maintaining our high quality of life and low property taxes remains a priority. Like all large cities, we are also working to reduce violent crime. Our crime rate is down 10% since last year, but change does not happen overnight. With this year’s budget, we added sworn officers and firefighters, dedicated support to neighborhood patrol and crisis intervention teams, and increased resources for 911 communication.



If elected, what would be your top priorities?



Maintaining a clean, safe city is always top of mind. I will continue to support strong police and fire services while working with council to prioritize a cleaner Fort Worth, including our investments in street sweepers, litter abatement crews and housing solutions for the homeless. I will also continue my work on higher education pathways with schools and business leaders, so that all Fort Worth students are prepared to succeed and enter our workforce.



If you are elected, what can residents expect from you?



For the past two years, I’ve worked with council, along with city staff and residents, to make our city strong. I will continue that commitment. Even with its long and rich history, Fort Worth is just getting started. We must manage our growth and vision for the future. Together we will continue building a stronger, safer Fort Worth and ensuring that we are leaving this place better than we found it.












Adrian Devine Smith



Experience: I ran for Fort Worth City Council 2021.


Occupation: Veteran


Candidate Website: N/A


Contact Information: 972-987-7649





Why are you running for office?



I'm running for office, because of my continued desire to serve the people of Fort Worth.



What are some of the biggest challenges facing Fort Worth?



1. Spending priorities. 2. Police and community relationships. 3. Equitable development without community, and environmental consideration.



If elected, what would be your top priorities?



1. Childhood literacy and education improvement. 2. A lower property tax rate, that's sustainable. 3. Police and community advisory committee. 4. Spending priorities with a clear purpose. 5. Equitable development with community, and environmental consideration.



If you are elected, what can residents expect from you?



If elected mayor, the residents of Fort Worth can expect complete transparency with decisions being made at city hall. I will put the will of the people first, and not compromise the integrity of the position for self gain.