Central Texas Local Races Head to Runoff Elections on Dec. 13

UPDATE: Central Texas is bracing for critical runoff elections scheduled for December 13, 2023, as several local races failed to produce a majority winner. Voters in multiple municipalities will head back to the polls after no candidate secured the required 50% plus one of the votes, igniting fresh competition among the top candidates.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Six pivotal races across Central Texas will determine local leadership in a decisive showdown next month. With so much at stake, the outcomes could reshape local governance. Here’s a breakdown of the key races and candidates moving forward:

Buda City Council District C: Candidates Kimberly Goodman and Jeffrey Morales are set for a runoff after both garnered approximately 43% of the vote, leaving Emily Jones trailing significantly with only 14%. Goodman was just 75 votes short of clinching an outright victory.

Kyle Mayor: The race features Robert Rizo, who received 42%, and Yvonne Flores-Cale, with 32%. Rizo also fell short, missing the threshold by 422 votes, leading to this crucial rematch.

Kyle City Council District 1: Incumbent Bear Heiser will face off against Courtney Goza after Heiser received around 40% to Goza’s 27%. Heiser was 546 votes short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff.

Leander City Council Place 3: In a competitive race, Natomi Blair and Anna Yelaun will advance after Blair secured 47% and Yelaun followed with 40%. Blair was just 200 votes shy of outright victory.

Pflugerville Mayor: The candidates Doug Weiss and Pat McCord will battle it out next month, with Weiss earning 47% and McCord 35%. Weiss missed the mark by 246 votes.

San Marcos City Council Place 2: In this race, Josh Paselk and incumbent Saul Gonzales are set for a runoff. Paselk obtained 35% of the vote, while Gonzales secured 27%. Paselk was 1,107 votes short of the majority.

These runoff elections are crucial for shaping policy and governance in Central Texas communities. As the campaigns ramp up, voters can expect heightened engagement and efforts from both candidates to sway the electorate.

WHAT’S NEXT: Election officials are preparing for the upcoming runoff on December 13, with candidates expected to intensify their campaigns. Voters should stay informed and participate in this vital democratic process.

For full election results and more details on these races, visit official sources. Stay tuned for ongoing updates as these important contests unfold in Central Texas.