City Council Elections

The race for a seat on the Austin City Council may get a little more interesting.

When Place 5 council member Bill Spelman ran in 2009, he was unopposed. It was pretty easy to see why: As a former council member (serving from 1997 to 2000), he had name recognition with the core of Austin voters who reliably turn out for Austin elections. His work since at the University of Texas raised his stature on police and public safety which are perennial topics in local contests. At one point, his name was even floated as a potential mayoral challenger.

But in his re-election bid, Spelman has some competition.

Today, Dominic Chavez announced his candidacy in Place 5. Chavez serves as senior director for external relations at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a state agency that works with Texas colleges.

Mayor Lee Leffingwell is taking nothing for granted in his re-election bid.

Despite a lack of formidable opposition, Austin’s incumbent mayor announced two high profile, if unorthodox, endorsements this weekend. His campaign shares the details:

AUSTIN, TX – Mayor Lee Leffingwell is excited to announce today that he has been endorsed by two of Austin’s favorite adopted sons – country music legend Willie Nelson and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong.

 “I love Austin and I think Mayor Leffingwell has done a real good job of helping keep it a special place,” said Nelson.  “I’m proud to give him my endorsement.”

 “Mayor Leffingwell has been a strong leader and I think he deserves another term,” said Armstrong.  “I hope my fellow Austinites will join me in supporting him for re-election.”

Austin’s municipal election is set for May 12.

Race Shaping Up in Place 2?

A vocal critic of City Hall has settled on a place in which to run.