May 1 was a day for incumbents in Spur City Council and school board races. Despite the challenges of a complete turnover in the city’s police department, a water infrastructure crippled during Texas’s historic freeze in February, and a range of recurring issues from animal control to downtown revitalization, city council office-holders were given a massive show of support by Spur constituents at the ballot box.
Pat Ortiz, the Spur ISD incumbent was easily re-elected as well.
Turnout reversed the downward trend of recent years. In the mayoral race, ballots exceeded 200 votes for the first time since 2013, when more than 300 Spur voters cast their ballots, resulting in the election of the city’s first Hispanic mayor, Manuel Herrera. In 2021, 227 votes were cast.
Louise Jones, the city’s first Black and female mayor, who has served on the council since 2015, was re-elected with 166 votes to David Crawford’s 58. “I just want to thank all my supporters and want to wish congratulations to all the incumbents,” said Jones.
Jones’s margin over Crawford—3 to 1—was followed by similar trends in the three ward races.
In Ward 1, Fronye Morris defeated Steve Bridges, 57 to 12.
In Ward 2, Don Wright defeated Connie Rainbolt, 35 to 20.
In Ward 3, Rhea Melton defeated Gayle Massaro, 74 to 24.
Morris, returning to City Council Ward 1, remarked on the vigorous turnout for this city election. “I do appreciate those who voted for me,” said Morris, who outran challenger Steve Bridges 82% to 17%. “We'll continue to do our best for Spur.”
Pat Ortiz, defeated Andrew Adams 22 to 2, was elected to his fourth term for Spur ISD. He has served the school board since 2012.
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