Victoria residents will have six candidates to choose from during the upcoming mayoral special election.
The following residents filed for candidacy before the Dec. 4 deadline:
- Peter Brown – Project Manager
- Robert “Bob” Constantine – Chief Operations Officer
- Duane Crocker – Attorney
- Jacob Sauseda – Technical Director
- Josephine E. Soliz – Bookkeeper
- Karissa Winters – Community Lead
The candidate who is elected will fill an unexpired term that ends in May 2025.
Why is Victoria electing a new mayor?
City Council scheduled the special election after Mayor Jeff Bauknight announced his intent to run for the Texas House of Representatives. Under the Texas Constitution, Bauknight’s announcement of his candidacy for state office “shall constitute an automatic resignation” from the office of mayor.
Bauknight will remain in his role until a new mayor is elected.
Why was Feb. 3 chosen as the election date?
Under state law, a new mayor must be chosen by special election within 120 days of Bauknight’s resignation, but the election may not be held within 30 days before or after a general election for state and county officers, general primary election or runoff primary election. Victoria’s next general election is scheduled for May 4, and the primary election will take place March 5.
Dates to remember
- Deadline to register to vote: Jan. 4
- In-person early voting begins: Jan. 17
- Last day to receive an application for ballot by mail: Jan. 23
- Last day of in-person early voting: Jan. 30
- Election day: Feb. 3
- Special City Council meeting to canvass the election results: Feb. 13
The election will be conducted by the Victoria County Elections Administrator. For more information about voting in Victoria County, visit www.vctx.org/page/elections.home.