New councilmembers sworn in for City of Tyler Districts 4 and 6
Published on May 13, 2026
On Wednesday, May 13, City of Tyler City Councilmembers were sworn into office. Those taking their oath of office included newly elected Councilmembers Clint Childs (District 4) and Carleen Dark-Bays (District 6).
Re-elected Councilmember Petra Hawkins (District 2) will be re-sworn in at a later date.
Following the swearing-in, the council held its first meeting, where they elected District 2 Councilmember Petra Hawkins as Mayor Pro Tem. Members of the Council elect the Mayor Pro Tem, who serves in the Mayor's absence for a one-year term.
Meet the newest elected officials:
Photograph of District 4 Councilmember Clint Childs
District 4 - Clint Childs is running for City Council because Tyler is ready to grow - not just bigger, but better. He’s committed to protecting what makes our community special while embracing ideas that will make life better for families, businesses, and neighborhoods across District 4.
Clint and his wife, Brittany, have called District 4 home since 2009. As a Tyler native and proud graduate of Bell Elementary, Moore Middle School, and Robert E. Lee High School, Clint knows this community inside and out. After Baylor, he came home to earn his MBA from The University of Texas at Tyler and build a career in real estate and small business. He has also given back through service on boards like PATH, the City of Tyler Main Street Board, and Leadership Tyler, as well as serving as a Tyler Tomorrow Steering Committee Member and a Planning & Zoning Commissioner.
Clint understands what makes Tyler great, as well as our challenges, because he’s lived them. And he knows how to get results that will strengthen our community for the next generation.
Photograph of District 6 Councilmember Carleen Dark-Bays
District 6 - Carleen Dark-Bays is a Tyler native with a heart for service and a strong background in business, media, and community leadership.
Carleen attended Clarkston Elementary School, Moore Middle School, Robert E. Lee High School, and Tyler Junior College. After beginning her career in Tyler, she spent several years in California before returning home. She and her husband, Brad, have three children and one granddaughter, and they are active members of Bethel Downtown Church.
Carleen’s career includes leadership roles in sales, media, and strategic marketing. She began her career while attending Tyler Junior College and later moved into corporate training, opening new restaurant locations across Texas. She went on to become the first female salesperson in the 80-year history of Butler Paper Company, led top-performing radio sales teams at KNUE, held executive roles with CBS in California, and served as Market President for Townsquare Media in Tyler. Today, she runs CDB Consulting, a firm specializing in media buying, events, and strategic marketing.
Carleen has served the community through several local organizations, including Pets Fur People, HeadUp TBI, and Heart of Tyler. She is currently Chair-Elect of the United Way of Smith County, chairs the Texas Music Friendly City Advisory Board, and has served on the City of Tyler Planning and Zoning Commission.
In addition to her professional and civic service, Carleen leads a faith-based outreach initiative supporting women recovering from divorce. She has been named a Woman of Courage by the Children’s Advocacy Center and is a member of the Women’s Fund of Smith County and the Smith County Republican Women.