Bexar County Election Results 2026: Shaping the Future of Local Governance
The voices of the community have been heard. As the election results 2026 begin to roll in, the landscape of local governance in Bexar County, Texas, is taking a new shape. From the heart of the city to the outskirts of the Hill Country, voters have decided who will lead their municipalities and manage the critical infrastructure of their neighborhoods.
Local elections are often the most impactful, as they determine the direct management of our streets, schools, and public safety. Whether it was a contested race for a city council seat or a routine vote on tax authorizations, the turnout reflects a community engaged in its own growth.
Major Highlights: Mayoral and Council Victories
While some races were hard-fought battles, many incumbents coasted into another term without opposition. Here is a detailed breakdown of the results across key municipalities:
Balcones Heights and Castle Hills
- Balcones Heights: Mayor Johnny A. Rodriguez, Jr. was declared elected after running unopposed. The city also selected two new council members for Places 1 and 2.
- Castle Hills: A new face will join the council in Place 4, as Alderman Jack Joyce did not seek re-election. Meanwhile, incumbents Jason Smith (Place 1) and Beth Daines (Place 5) maintain their seats.
Helotes, Hollywood Park, and Kirby
- Helotes: This city is seeing a significant shift. Anne Carraway ran unopposed for Place 2, while Gregg Michael and Mike Gutierrez competed for Place 1. Incumbent Sabrina McGowan (Place 4) successfully kept her seat.
- Hollywood Park: All candidates were declared elected without opposition. The primary focus for voters here was the re-authorization of tax rates for road construction.
- Kirby: In a unique at-large system, voters selected three candidates to represent the entire city rather than specific districts.
Leon Valley and Olmos Park: Stability and Experience
In Leon Valley, the race for mayor was one of the most watched. Despite challengers Evan Bohl and Jed Hefner, Mayor Chris Riley—the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history—fought to maintain her position. On the council side, Betty Heyl and Rey Orozco were declared elected unopposed.
Similarly, Olmos Park saw a sweep of unopposed candidates, with Mayor Erin Harrison, James Griffon, and Will Brooks all securing their roles for the upcoming term.
Selma, Shavano Park, and Universal City
- Selma: Mayor Tom Daly and council member Noah Washington, Jr. retain their positions. However, Place 3 became a battleground between incumbent Becky Harris and challenger Cori Mitchell.
- Shavano Park: With three at-large alderman spots open, incumbents T. Lee Powers and Konrad Kuykendall sought re-election.
- Universal City: Mayor Tom Maxwell remains in power. The city council race was particularly competitive, with four candidates—including incumbents Andy Garza, Lori Putt, and Bernard Rubal—vying for three available seats against challenger Mark Dunlop.
The Critical Issue: Infrastructure and Taxes
Beyond the names on the ballot, a recurring theme in the election results 2026 was the focus on infrastructure. Several cities, including Castle Hills, Hollywood Park, Olmos Park, Shavano Park, and Terrell Hills, held propositions to re-authorize sales and use taxes specifically dedicated to street maintenance and road repair.
These routine but essential votes ensure that local governments have the funding necessary to keep transportation safe and efficient for all residents.
Want to learn more about voter rights and deadlines?
To stay informed about future voting cycles and registration, visit the official Vote.org portal for comprehensive resources on how to participate in the democratic process.
Conclusion
The 2026 local elections in Bexar County highlight a blend of seasoned leadership and new opportunities for fresh perspectives. As these officials take their seats, the focus now shifts to the implementation of policies that will affect the daily lives of thousands of Texans.
