Thomaides edges out Becerra in San Marcos mayor nail-biter
Thursday, December 15, 2016 by Brad Rollins--San Marcos Mercury
Additional reporting by Darcy Sprague
Longtime City Council Member John Thomaides squeaked out a narrow victory over challenger Ruben Becerra in an embittered runoff election for San Marcos mayor.
With 19 of 19 precincts counted, Thomaides won 1,727 votes (50.62 percent) to Becerra’s 1,685 (49.38 percent).
After huddling with supporters at his downtown restaurant, Becerra emerged to say he would request a recount in the race. “There is a way forward. We are still very grateful, but we will be asking for a recount,” Becerra said.
On the other side of the square, Thomaides celebrated victory with a handful of supporters at the home of fellow Council Member Scott Gregson.
“We’re very relieved. I know everybody in the whole city … (is) glad it’s over, and I really look forward to getting to work and to doing my best to bring the community back together after a tough and spirited campaign,” Thomaides said.
In the runoff for Buda City Council Place 1, Lee Urbanovsky won 589 votes (65.08 percent) to John Hatch’s 484 (39.03 percent).
In the Place 2 race, Saul Gonzales won 2,275 votes (68.26 percent) to Shane Scott’s 1,058 votes (31.74 percent).
In the race to complete the last year of Thomaides’ Council term, Ed Mihalkanin won 2,167 votes (67.93 percent) to Jason Dalton Montgomery’s 1,023 votes (32.07 percent).
“I am thankful for the confidence my fellow San Marcos citizens have shown in me. I look forward to working on the Council and serving the city,” Mihalkanin said.
PHOTO: San Marcos Council Member Jane Hughson consoles mayoral candidate Ruben Becerra at Gil’s Broiler downtown. MERCURY PHOTO by DARCY SPRAGUE. This story originally appeared in the San Marcos Mercury.
The Austin Monitor’s work is made possible by donations from the community. Though our reporting covers donors from time to time, we are careful to keep business and editorial efforts separate while maintaining transparency. A complete list of donors is available here, and our code of ethics is explained here.
You're a community leader
And we’re honored you look to us for serious, in-depth news. You know a strong community needs local and dedicated watchdog reporting. We’re here for you and that won’t change. Now will you take the powerful next step and support our nonprofit news organization?
