DECISION 2026: Esteemed Texas political figure Dr. Shirley McKellar announces campaign for Mayor of City of Tyler
Andre Johnson 
“A change is brought about because ordinary people do extraordinary things.” — Barack Obama, 44th President, United States of America
STANDING ON BUSINESS
TYLER, Texas — She was just a tender four years of age.
Seriously.
For what it’s worth, though, it was during that era that Dr. Shirley JoNetta Erwin McKellar vividly recalls having engaged with her first run-in with success.
For all the right reasons, too.
“I am proud to say that success for me began at age four in early childhood education, Johnigan Kiddie College,” Dr. McKellar recalls. “I knew at that age I wanted to be a registered nurse, and I began the work at that moment. Well, one may say, ‘How can a four-year-old begin working at age four?’ So, just ask my family, or better yet, let me tell you my story and you will understand.”
The floor is hers.
“My birthday came in October, one month after school started,” Dr. McKellar explained. “I had an older sister who started first grade year, and I was four at the time. I was very attached to her and insisted that I attend school with her. My father said, ‘Let that girl go to school if she wants to?’”
Oddly, a chair, Dr. McKellar recalls, was placed beside my sister during which the class collectively read and printed our letters of the alphabet, as directed by the instructor.
The four-year-old underclassmen, meanwhile, was left to function in her element during which she shared her Dick and Jane book.
“(That was a book) I was already familiar with, and all the fun papers given to her by her amazing and wonderful teacher, Ms. Mathalean Choice,” Dr. McKellar recalls. “After two weeks in the classroom with my sister, Martha Rae Erwin-Ross, I was disrupting the class by drawing too much attention. This un-enrolled student was raising her hand and giving answers to the Dick & Jane story because, my older brothers, Carvie Earnest Erwin Jr. and Bonnie Burnett Erwin, had already used those books.”
Consequently, in a rather bizarre sequence of events, Dr. McKellar was “kicked out” of school.
“And I cried profusely,” she recalls. “I just could not understand why I could not be there (with my sister), why can’t I be a student too? It was heartbreaking for my father to see his daughter so upset about not being able to just sit in the class and learn.
“Therefore, he went out to find me a school to attend and a method in which to get there each day. The name of my school was Johnigan Kiddie College, and I was dropped off by none other than, Ms. Choice, my sister, and my first grade teacher.”
All things considered, such a distinctive turn of events were rather metamorphic for Dr. McKellar whom, to her credit, used such a memorable encounter as fuel to steer her to her divine destiny — one she hopes will culminate with her ceremoniously emerging as Mayor of the City of Tyler in 2026.
Election Day is May 3, 2026.
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A native of Tyler, Dr. McKellar’s bid to assume the mayoral seat comes amid her tenure as a member of Tyler’s City Council, where she has spent the past six years.
“I recognize the needs in the City of Tyler,” Dr. McKellar, the first African-American candidate for Tyler’s mayoral seat, told Making Headline News during a recent interview. “I am aligning my campaign with those priorities, demonstrating a commitment to addressing Tyler’s current needs and future growth.”
Interestingly enough, Dr. McKellar acknowledged amongst the reasons she decided to run to Tyler’s highest political seat was due to a thought-provoking suggestion offered by resident Randy Carter during a town hall meeting some time ago.
“He suggested that engaging with the community on every level of city government is very important and building on existing initiatives will be key to a successful mayoral run,” Dr. McKellar, an Army veteran and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., said.
A SERVANT‘S HEART
Given the state of her native stomping ground, the opportunistic Dr. McKellar admittedly is persuaded the time has come that she diligently spearhead bringing about the necessary changes to one of Texas’ most tradition-rich cities.
“A group of Black Republicans in East Texas pointed out my qualifications and ask me to run for U.S. Congress in District One,” said Dr. McKellar, recalling the memorable developments surrounding her candidacy for Tyler’s mayor.
If elected to replace incumbent, Republican Donald P. Warren, as Tyler’s fifth mayor, amongst Dr. McKellar’s key policies would center largely on the following objectives:
Enhancing Public Safety and Emergency Services
“Public safety remains a top priority for Tyler,” Dr. McKellar said. “The city has increased funding for the police and fire departments, including nearly $2 million for market pay adjustments to aid in recruiting and retaining first responders. Both departments have achieved high standards, with the police force being CALEA-accredited and the fire department receiving an ISO Class 1 rating.
“My pledge is to commit to sustaining and improving public safety by supporting competitive compensation, continuous training, and community engagement initiatives for first responders.”
Investing In Infrastructure and Urban Development
“Tyler is focusing on infrastructure improvements, including a $21 million investment in traffic signal upgrades, street reconstruction, and drainage enhancements,” McKellar said. “The city is also undertaking downtown revitalization projects to increase connectivity, walkability, and public spaces, aiming for completion by 2027.
“My pledge is to prioritize infrastructure projects that enhance transportation efficiency, support downtown revitalization, and promote sustainable urban development.”
Promoting Economic Development and Job Creation
“Economic growth is a key focus with initiatives like attracting new businesses to downtown Tyler, including plans for a 156-room hotel by the Valencia Group,” Dr. McKellar said. “The city invested in tourism by renovating historic sites like the Mayfair Dance Hall and updating the Tyler Rose Garden.
“My pledge is to foster economic development by supporting local businesses, attracting new investments, and enhancing tourism infrastructure to create job opportunities.”
Ensuring Sustainable Water and Sewer Systems
“Tyler is investing heavily in its water and sewer systems, with over $48 million allocated since 2016,” Dr. McKellar explained. “The city is also addressing regulatory requirements, such as a $250 million mandate for wastewater system improvements by April 2027.
“My pledge is commit to maintaining and upgrading water and sewer infrastructure to ensure reliable, high-quality services that meet current and future demands.”
Addressing Blight and Enhance Community Spaces
“The city has allocated funds to remove substandard structures and improve parks, including reconstructing softball and soccer fields at Lindsey Park,” Dr. McKellar said. “These efforts aim to enhance the quality of life for residents and promote community well-being.
“My pledge is to focus on neighborhood revitalization by addressing blight, investing in public parks, and creating safe, accessible community spaces for all residents.”
DESTINY STEPS
For what it’s worth, Dr. McKellar doesn’t shy away from the notion that she’s confident she possesses the mechanics to assume Tyler’s highest political post.
“(My chances are) excellent,” Dr. McKellar told MHN. “I have one year to continue my work in the community. If I win the 2026 mayoral election in Tyler, Texas, it would mark a historic and transformative moment for the city. As a seasoned leader with a distinguished background in military service, healthcare, and public office, this election would bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community service.
“I would be the only black person to ever run for mayor of Tyler — just as I was the only black person in Congressional District One to run for that seat.”
For more information about Tyler, Texas Mayoral candidate Dr. Shirley JoNetta Erwin McKellar, to inquire about her campaign, to schedule her for a public appearance, or speaking engagement, connect with her via social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shirley.mckellar.39. Send email to: cfnhealthyliving2@yahoo.com.
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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