Austin News

Vanessa Fuentes pulled off a decisive win over David Chincanchan in the City Council District 2 election.

According to The Austin Bulldog, Fuentes’ win was the biggest surprise of election night. Chincanchan’s had outspent Fuentes by more than $36,000 and had gathered numerous endorsements from various unions and elected Democrats. Fuentes, a former legislative aide, won with 56.12% of the vote to Chincanchan’s 19.08% and Casey Ramos’ 19.79 percent. 

Fuentes commended outgoing incumbent, Delia Garza, and said that she had “paved the way for Latinas to run for office, who has broken barriers, and broken that glass ceiling for us here in Austin…I’m really proud we’ll be able to keep a Latina perspective on the Austin City Council.”

District 4 incumbent Council Member Greg Casar won reelection in a three-way race against environmental engineer Louis Herrin III and former security guard Ramesses II Setepenre.

Casar won with approximately 66.85% of the total votes. He had raised nearly $82,000 in campaign funds through October 5. Herrin III raised more than $26,000 through the same period and captured24.74% of the votes. Setepenre received1,453 votes for 8.41% percent despite not spending any money at all.

In District 7, incumbent Leslie Pool, who had raised more than $52,000 through October 5, retained her seat garnering 67.25% of the vote. Her opponent Morgan Witt, who raised less than $16,000, had a late start in the election and didn’t even appoint a treasurer until July 1.

District 6 Incumbent Jimmy Flannigan drew 40.22% of votes for both counties, well short of a majority, forcing him into a runoff against three challengers in the city’s northernmost district. Challengers Mackenzie Kelly garnered a combined total of 33.4%of the votes, Jennifer Mushtaler received19.11%, and Dee Harrison garnered 7.26%.

In District 10, incumbent Alison Alter also faces a runoff. Alter, a Democrat, received 34.2% of the vote and runner up Jennifer Virden garnered 25.43%. The three other candidates collected enough votes among themselves to deny anyone a majority.

Runoff election day will be Dec. 15.