From the Courtroom to the Chessboard: Ranae Bartlett’s Path Through Law, Education, and Madison Leadership

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is part of a special election series from All Things Madison and has been published exactly as submitted by the candidate. All mayoral and city council candidates were invited to contribute a guest article at no cost. Submissions are shared in the order received and have not been edited for content. The goal of this series is to give every candidate an equal opportunity to share their vision, qualifications, and ideas directly with Madison residents. Madison’s municipal elections for city council and mayor will be held August 26th, 2025. Not sure which district you live in? Click here to view the map.

About Me My name is Ranae Bartlett, and I’m running for Mayor of Madison in the 2025 municipal election on August 26th. I’ve called Madison home since 2003, when my family moved here from Northwest Arkansas. My husband, Todd Guthrie, and I raised our son, Michael, here, and we were drawn to Madison for its exceptional schools and tight-knit community. Michael graduated as the 2020 Salutatorian of Bob Jones High School and recently graduated with a degree in chemical engineering at the University of Alabama. I was born in Chuncheon, South Korea, to Mi Ja Kim and Chester Bartlett, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a fire chief at Camp Page. Growing up, I learned the value of service and community, which has guided my career and commitment to Madison.

I hold a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law, where I was a member of the Arkansas Law Review and National Moot Court team. I also graduated with high honors from the University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and political science. My professional background spans corporate law, education, and nonprofit leadership. I served as Assistant General Counsel for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., overseeing complex litigation, and later founded the Madison City Chess League in 2013 to promote chess education. Currently, I’m the Executive Director of the U.S. Chess Federation, where I work to empower people, enrich lives, and enhance communities through chess.

Why I’m Running for Mayor I’m running for Mayor because Madison deserves leadership that listens intently, plans strategically, and delivers results for our community. With Mayor Paul Finley and several City Council members not seeking re-election, Madison faces a pivotal moment. My experience in governance, education, and the private sector uniquely positions me to provide the continuity and leadership our city needs during this transition. I believe in fostering responsible growth, enhancing education, and investing in infrastructure to ensure Madison remains a place where families thrive, businesses prosper, and every voice is heard. Madison’s growth is both our greatest opportunity and challenge. As President Pro Tempore of the Madison City Council, I’ve worked on fiscal management, infrastructure improvements, and quality-of-life projects. My nearly decade-long tenure on the Madison City Board of Education, including roles as Vice President and President, gave me insight into managing a multi-million-dollar budget and planning for a growing school system. I was a member and spokesperson for the Blue Ribbon Committee, which laid the groundwork for James Clemens High School, ensuring our schools could accommodate growth while maintaining excellence.

What I Hope to Accomplish If elected Mayor, my vision is to guide Madison through its growth with a focus on three key areas: responsible development, enhanced education opportunities, and improved infrastructure. Here are tangible examples of what I aim to achieve:

• Responsible Growth: Madison’s population and economy are expanding rapidly. I’ll work to attract businesses that align with our community’s values, creating jobs while preserving our small-town charm. For example, I’ll advocate for mixed-use developments to boost local commerce and create vibrant community spaces, like projects I’ve supported on the City Council. I’ll also ensure fiscal responsibility by prioritizing balanced budgets and transparent financial planning.
• Enhanced Education Opportunities: As a former school board member, I know education is Madison’s cornerstone. I’ll collaborate with Madison City Schools to support innovative programs, like expanding STEM and arts initiatives, to prepare students for future careers. My work with the Madison City Chess League shows my commitment to inclusive educational programs available to public, private and home school students. I’ll push for partnerships between the city and schools to fund extracurriculars and facilities, ensuring every student has access to a well-rounded education.
• Investing in Infrastructure: Madison’s growth demands better roads, sidewalks, and green spaces. I’ll prioritize projects like expanding road networks to ease traffic congestion and improving pedestrian connectivity in neighborhoods. On the City Council, I’ve supported infrastructure investments, and as Mayor, I’ll champion a comprehensive plan to address these needs while safeguarding financial stability. This includes maintaining our parks and recreational facilities to enhance quality of life for all residents.

What Makes Me Uniquely Qualified My diverse experience sets me apart. As a City Council member since 2020, I’ve served as Finance Committee Chair, Council President, and President Pro Tempore, gaining deep insight into Madison’s operations. My school board tenure equipped me to manage large budgets and plan strategically for growth, earning me the All State School Board award in 2020. My legal background, including clerking for the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, honed my ability to navigate complex challenges with precision. As a nonprofit leader, I’ve built community programs like the Madison City Chess League, fostering engagement and education.

I’m also a listener who values community input. I’ve made it a priority to investigate constituent concerns, working with department heads to resolve issues before they escalate. My commitment to transparency and collaboration ensures that Madison’s government remains accountable and responsive. Supporters, including many of my former “chess kids,” have expressed excitement about my candidacy, reflecting my ability to connect with diverse groups across our city.

A Personal Note Madison is more than a place to live—it’s a community where I’ve raised my family, built lasting relationships, and served with dedication. Whether through my work on the City Council, school board, or chess initiatives, I’m committed to making Madison a place where everyone can thrive.

Thank you for considering me for Mayor. I’m ready to lead with experience, integrity, and a heart for service. Together, we can shape a bright future for Madison.

Contact: info@voteranaebartlett.com
Website: www.voteranaebartlett.com

To read additional submissions to this 2025 Municipal Election series on All Things Madison, click here. 

Click to read an additional bio about Ranae Bartlett on the Madison Chamber of Commerce’s website.