Denton County Election Results,Muslim Candidates’ Visibility and Community Engagement in Focus
On May 3, 2025, Denton County residents cast ballots in a pivotal local election, selecting city council members, school board trustees, and deciding on bond propositions across the county. The election, which saw polling stations open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., unfolded against a backdrop of demographic change and growing calls for more inclusive representation, including from the county’s Muslim community. While no Muslim candidates secured significant victories in this cycle, their civic engagement and the groundwork laid by local organizations signal a community poised for greater political influence in the coming years.
Turnout, Key Races, and Bond Measures
Voter turnout in Denton County reached 6.91%, with 42,353 ballots cast, consistent with previous local elections where turnout typically remains below 10%. Early voting accounted for nearly 5% of the electorate, with 29,162 ballots submitted before Election Day. Major races included city council contests in Denton, Lewisville, and Frisco and school board elections in Denton ISD, Lewisville ISD, and Northwest ISD.
In Denton, incumbent Brian Beck retained his District 2 city council seat with 58% of the vote, while District 3 will head to a runoff between Suzi Rumohr and Margie Ellis. On the school board, Tanya Wright won Place 3 for Denton ISD, and Charles Stafford held on to Place 5 with 57% of the vote. Voters also approved significant bond measures, including the $423 million Argyle ISD bond package for new schools and campus improvements.
Muslim Candidates
Despite Denton County’s growing Muslim population and active civic organizations, this election cycle did not feature high-profile Muslim candidates for city council or school board seats. This reflects a broader trend across much of Texas, where Muslim representation is increasing but remains limited at the local level.
In recent years, Muslim candidates have gained traction in neighboring communities in North Texas. In Frisco, which partially overlaps with Denton County, candidates such as Anwer Azam have run for city council, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and community service. “I'm running as a problem solver, I will make sure that the residents’ feedback and opinions are a central part of how we run the city,” Azam told American Muslim Today in a previous campaign. However, in 2025, no Muslim candidates appeared on the final ballot in major Denton County races.
Building Political Capital
The absence of Muslim candidates in this year’s election does not reflect a lack of engagement. Denton’s Muslim community, anchored by the Islamic Society of Denton and supported by student organizations at the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, remains active in civic life, interfaith dialogue, and local advocacy. For example, the Faith in Texas Muslim Round Table has brought together activists, imams, and organizers to address social issues, foster inclusive engagement, and train community members in civic participation.
“Bringing together community activists, Imams, and organizers, the roundtable has worked to address pressing social issues within the Muslim community through listening sessions, community research, and tailored civic participation training,” Faith in Texas reported.
Efforts to empower young Muslim leaders are also underway. Organizations like Emgage Texas have focused on encouraging Muslims to run for office and participate in elections, with programs designed to demystify the political process and build leadership skills.
“EMGAGE is a civic engagement organization that is primarily dealing with ensuring that the Muslim American community is civically engaged in such a way that they know about elections and they know how important elections are,” said Nabila Mansoor, executive director of Emgage Texas, in an interview with KERA News.
The Broader Context
Texas is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the country, but local representation remains a challenge. Statewide, only two Muslim candidates- Salman Bhojani in Tarrant County and Dr. Suleman Lalani in Fort Bend County- have been elected to the Texas Legislature, winning their seats in 2022. At the local level, progress is slower, but community leaders remain optimistic.
“One of the central themes you see in Islam is this idea of helping out those who are marginalized, helping out those who are oppressed, helping out the poor,” said Imad Ahmed of Emgage Texas, emphasizing the motivation for civic involvement.
Muslim voter turnout in Texas has historically been modest, with many in the community expressing uncertainty about party alignment and policy priorities, especially amid national and international events4. Local organizations and faith leaders continue to encourage participation, hoping to translate civic engagement into electoral success in future cycles.
Election Integrity and Community Trust
Denton County officials emphasized transparency and accessibility throughout the election process. The county provided detailed information on polling locations, candidate qualifications, and ballot measures, ensuring that all residents, including those from minority communities, could participate fully. The City Secretary’s Office and the Denton County Elections Office maintained open lines of communication for candidate support and voter inquiries.
Opportunities for Growth
While no Muslim candidates secured office in Denton County’s 2025 election, the infrastructure for future success is taking shape. Community organizations invest in leadership development, coalition-building, and outreach to ensure Denton’s diversity is reflected in its elected leadership. The groundwork laid by civic groups, interfaith initiatives, and advocacy organizations will likely yield more Muslim candidates and greater representation in coming years.
“By continuously adapting strategies and embracing collaboration, the Faith in Texas Muslim Round Table is not only tackling immediate challenges but also building the foundation for sustainable, community-driven change,” Faith in Texas reported.
Laying the Foundation for Inclusive Representation
The May 3, 2025, election in Denton County highlighted the community’s commitment to civic participation and the ongoing journey toward broader representation. While Muslim candidates did not secure major offices this cycle, their engagement and the work of local organizations are paving the way for future breakthroughs. As Denton County’s demographic landscape continues to evolve, the successive election cycles may see more diverse voices, including those from the Muslim community, playing a central role in shaping the county’s future.