{"biography":"Jennifer Hensley is the current Mayor Pro Tempore of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and is a candidate for the city\u2019s mayoral race on November 3, 2026 [7][9]. In her municipal role she presides over council meetings in the mayor\u2019s absence and participates in policy\u2011making as a voting member of the council, a position she has held since first being elected to an at\u2011large seat on the Hendersonville City Council in November 2019 [1][7]. Hensley was re\u2011elected and appeared on the ballot again in the 2024 council election, confirming her continued service through at least 2025 [2][7]. \n\nBefore entering elected office, Hensley built a career as a medical doctor in private practice, operating a successful small business for more than two decades in the community she calls home [9][10]. She moved to Hendersonville about 21 years ago after graduating from college, where she met her husband and later raised two children [9][10]. While her formal education details are not listed in the public sources, her professional title of \"Dr.\" and her long\u2011standing practice indicate a medical degree and licensure. \n\nDuring her five years on the City Council, Hensley has taken on leadership roles beyond the council chamber. She serves as Vice Chair of the French Broad Metropolitan Planning Organization, where she helps secure regional funding for local projects [10]. She has championed public\u2011safety initiatives, advocated for infrastructure upgrades to the water and sewer system, and supported the development of parks and recreation facilities, including the Ecusta Trail and the rebuilding of Patton Park after Hurricane Helene [9][10]. Hensley also helped launch a county\u2011wide program that provides free swim lessons to every second\u2011grader in Henderson County, reflecting her focus on youth safety and health [10]. \n\nIn her campaign for mayor, Hensley emphasizes her experience in both the private sector and municipal government, promising to protect Hendersonville\u2019s natural beauty, improve public safety, and continue investments in infrastructure and affordable housing [9][17]. She highlights her hands\u2011on response during the early days of Hurricane Helene, when she worked at the newly completed Fire Station\u202f1 to support first responders and residents [9]. Her platform also includes advancing the city\u2019s 2030 Comprehensive Plan, expanding green spaces, and fostering economic development that benefits local workers and families [10]. \n\nHensley\u2019s public communication includes a campaign website (jennhensleyformayor.com) where she shares her biography, policy priorities, and contact information. The site lists her email address as JENNDC04@GMAIL.COM, providing a direct line for constituents [2]. No phone number is publicly listed in the sources reviewed. \n\nOverall, Jennifer Hensley\u2019s record combines medical practice, small\u2011business ownership, and a decade of municipal service, positioning her as a candidate with both professional and civic experience seeking to lead Hendersonville as mayor.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Jennifer Hensley - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jennifer_Hensley)\n- [2] [Jennifer Hensley (Hendersonville City Council At-large, North Carolina, candidate 2024) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jennifer_Hensley_(Hendersonville_City_Council_At-large,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2024))\n- [4] [Council Conversation - Jennifer Hensley | City of Hendersonville, NC | Official Website](https://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/event/council-conversation-jennifer-hensley)\n- [7] [Mayor & City Council | City of Hendersonville, NC | Official Website](https://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/mayor-city-council)\n- [9] [Jennifer Hensley for Mayor](https://jennhensleyformayor.com/)\n- [10] [About Jennifer](https://www.jennhensleyformayor.com/about_jennifer)\n- [17] [Dr. Jennifer Hensley for Mayor of Hendersonville, Hendersonville, NC (2026)](https://www.findglocal.com/US/Hendersonville/1254421701389288/Dr.-Jennifer-Hensley-for-Mayor-of-Hendersonville)","campaigns":[{"contest":"hendersonville_city_mayor","county":"henderson","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"NC","title":"City Of Hendersonville Mayor"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"Jennifer","fullname":"Jennifer Sexton Hensley","lastname":"Hensley","middlename":"Sexton","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"hendersonville_city_mayor","contest_title":"City Of Hendersonville Mayor","county":"henderson","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-11-03","office_county":"henderson","office_key":"city_mayor","office_title":"Mayor","party":"","pgr":"general","state":"NC"}],"county":"henderson","cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"hendersonville_city_mayor","contest_title":"City Of Hendersonville Mayor","county":"henderson","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-11-03","office_county":"henderson","office_key":"city_mayor","office_title":"Mayor","party":"","pgr":"general","state":"NC"},"party":"","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"city_mayor","office_title":"Mayor","state":"NC","terms":[]}],"summary":"Jennifer Hensley, Mayor Pro Tempore and longtime councilwoman, is running for Hendersonville mayor in 2026.","terms":[],"token":"faa8f21a5365012a"}