Pearl River Candidate Forum

The Rabbit Hole News will host a public candidate forum for the upcoming Town of Pearl River elections.

Submit A Question For The Candidates

Every qualified candidate running for mayor, chief of police or alderman in Pearl River is invited and welcome to participate. The forum is intended to give every candidate an equal opportunity to introduce themselves, discuss their qualifications and address the issues affecting Pearl River.

No candidate is being excluded. Participation is open to every qualified candidate regardless of political affiliation, current position or relationship with The Rabbit Hole News.

Pearl River residents and voters are encouraged to attend, hear directly from the candidates and learn where each person stands before casting their ballots in the November 3 election.

Who is on the ballot

Mayor

• Virgil R. Phillips, No Party
• Cheryl Schultheis, Republican

Chief of Police

• Steven Ball, Republican
• John Polk, Republican

Board of Aldermen — eight candidates for five seats

• Tim Bennett, Republican
• Mathieu “Matt” Daigle, Republican
• Kristy Franatovich, Republican
• Kory Kingston, No Party
• Maria Lee, Republican
• John Masson, Republican
• Tim Moray, Republican
• Dustin Shaffer, Republican

Background

Pearl River voters will elect a new mayor after current Mayor Joe Lee announced that he would not seek another term. Two candidates qualified for mayor, two candidates are seeking the position of police chief, and eight candidates are competing for five positions on the Pearl River Board of Aldermen.

Additional information about the forum format will be released as the event approaches.

If you go

• What: Pearl River Candidate Forum, hosted by The Rabbit Hole News
• When: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, 6 p.m.
• Where: Pearl River Lions Club, 65062 Calhoun St., Pearl River
• Admission: Free and open to the public

HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE CANDIDATES?

Pearl River residents can submit questions they would like considered for the forum.

Submit A Question