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

URGENT UPDATE: Central Texas voters face critical runoff elections on December 13, 2023, after no candidates secured a majority in key local races. With the stakes high, these elections will determine the future leadership in several municipalities.

In Buda, Kimberly Goodman and Jeffrey Morales are set for a runoff after each garnered around 43% of the votes, leaving Emily Jones trailing at 14%. Goodman fell short by just 75 votes of the required threshold to avoid the runoff.

Meanwhile, in Kyle, the race for mayor will see Robert Rizo and Yvonne Flores-Cale compete again. Rizo led with 42%, while Flores-Cale followed with 32%. Rizo missed an outright victory by 422 votes, intensifying the competition.

The Kyle City Council District 1 race also advances to a runoff, where incumbent Bear Heiser will face challenger Courtney Goza. Heiser received 40% of the vote, but fell 546 votes short of the majority needed.

In Leander, Natomi Blair and Anna Yelaun will move forward after Blair secured 47% and Yelaun 40%. Blair’s narrow margin left her 200 votes away from an outright win.

Pflugerville’s mayoral race is heating up as Doug Weiss and Pat McCord prepare for a runoff. Weiss achieved a solid 47% of the vote, but was 246 votes shy of victory.

Lastly, in San Marcos, Josh Paselk and incumbent Saul Gonzales will compete in a runoff after Paselk received 35% and Gonzales 27%. Paselk is also aiming to close a gap of 1,107 votes to secure a win.

With the runoff elections just under a month away, local engagement is expected to surge as candidates ramp up their campaigns. This is a pivotal moment for Central Texas voters, who will have the opportunity to shape their local governance significantly.

Stay tuned for further updates as we approach this crucial electoral date.