Texas’ Urban Counties Decide, Local Election Results Across Major Metro Areas on May 3, 2025
Voters in Ten Key Texas Counties Shape Local Leadership and Bonds Amid Low Turnout
On May 3, 2025, voters in Texas’s largest urban counties- Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, Travis, Collin, Denton, Fort Bend, Hidalgo, and El Paso- cast ballots in local elections to select city council members, mayors, school board trustees, and decide on major bond propositions. Despite the significance of these races for regional governance, turnout remained low across most counties, with several districts heading to runoffs and new faces emerging in some city councils. The results highlight both the challenges and the stakes of local democracy in Texas.
Harris County, Diverse Races, Modest Turnout
Harris County, home to Houston, saw a range of municipal, utility district, and school board elections. According to unofficial results, 40,100 ballots were cast, reflecting modest participation for a county of more than 2 million registered voters. Key races included positions on the Harris County Fresh Water Supply District 1A and Municipal Utility District 506 boards, with nonpartisan candidates such as Terry Alfred, Helena Auzenne, and Jeff Boutte securing seats. City council elections across smaller municipalities and utility districts also took place, though no major upsets were reported.
Dallas County, Incumbents Hold, New Leaders in Key Districts
The re-election of most incumbents marked the Dallas County city council elections, but also saw the emergence of new leadership in several districts. Out of 14 city council seats, incumbents won in Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 14. Maxie Johnson unseated long-time incumbent Carolyn King Arnold in District 4 with 75% of the vote, and Laura Cadena narrowly won District 6 over Monica Alonzo. Districts 8 and 11 will proceed to runoffs in June, with Erik Wilson and Lorie Blair, Bill Roth and Jeff Kitner, respectively, vying for those seats. Voter turnout was low at 8.3%, with District 13 recording the highest participation.
Tarrant County, Incumbents and Newcomers, Bond Measures Pass
Tarrant County, including Fort Worth and Arlington, reported 98,564 ballots cast, representing a 7.99% turnout. In Fort Worth, Carlos Flores (District 2), Michael D. Crain (District 3), and Charlie Lauersdorf (District 4) all secured re-election, while Deborah Peoples won the open District 5 seat. Flower Mound voters approved both propositions of a $112 million bond, with more than 60% support for each measure to fund park and street improvements. Several other city and school board races were decided, with some runoffs set for June.
Bexar County, Historic Bond for Alamo Colleges, City Council Runoffs
Bexar County voters approved a historic $987 million bond for the Alamo Colleges District, the largest in its history, with nearly 70% of the vote. The bond will fund new academic centers, renovations, and workforce training facilities. San Antonio and other area cities held mayoral and city council elections, with several races heading to runoffs because no candidate secured a majority. “This is a transformative moment not just for the Alamo Colleges District but for the future of Bexar County and our region,” said Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores.
Travis County, City and School Elections, Bonds Pass
In Travis County, which includes Austin and its suburbs, voters approved multiple city and school propositions. For example, Proposition A passed with 87.5% support in Bee Cave, and Proposition B with 84.7%. Cedar Park’s Council Place One went to Bobbi Hutchinson, while other municipalities filled council seats and passed local measures.
Collin County, Competitive Races and Runoffs
Collin County featured a mix of city council, mayoral, and school board elections. In McKinney, the mayoral race heads to a runoff between Bill Cox and Scott Sanford after neither candidate secured a majority. Plano saw all bond propositions pass, with John Muns re-elected as mayor. Frisco’s council seats will also be decided in a June runoff. Countywide, turnout was 7.35%, with 54,401 ballots cast.
Denton County, Bonds and Council Races
Denton County voters approved both propositions of Flower Mound’s $112 million bond, with Proposition A (community activity center and parks) receiving 62.54% support and Proposition B (street repairs) passing with 71.82%. Councilmembers Adam Schiestel and Brian Taylor were re-elected unopposed in Flower Mound. Countywide turnout was 6.91%, with 42,353 ballots cast.
Fort Bend County, Local Elections and School Boards
Fort Bend County, southwest of Houston, held elections for city councils, school boards, and municipal utility districts. Results showed steady support for incumbents and passage of several local measures, with detailed results on the county’s official election site. The county’s growing diversity was reflected in the range of candidates and issues on the ballot.
Hidalgo County, School Bonds and Local Leadership
In the Rio Grande Valley, Hidalgo County held elections for school boards, city councils, and bond propositions. Hidalgo ISD passed a $25 million bond, which includes $22.5 million for a new Career and Technology Education building and $2.5 million for a new sports center. Early voting ran from April 22 to April 29, with Election Day turnout reported as steady.
El Paso County, School Boards and Council Seats Shift
El Paso County voters decided key school board and city council races. In the El Paso ISD, two incumbent trustees lost their seats, signaling a shift in the board’s balance of power. Socorro ISD voters returned one incumbent and elected three newcomers. El Paso Community College’s board saw two incumbents re-elected and a newcomer win District 6. In area towns, several aldermen and mayors were elected, with some running unopposed.
Runoffs and New Leadership
With several races headed to runoffs in June and new faces joining city councils and school boards, Texas’s largest counties are poised for a period of transition and renewed focus on infrastructure, education, and community investment. Despite persistently low turnout, the results reflect both continuity and the emergence of new leadership in key local offices.