Several contested races highlight upcoming city council, mayoral, hospital, and school board elections
Voters across Terry County and surrounding communities will head to the polls on Saturday, May 3, 2026, to decide a number of important municipal races, including mayoral contests, city council seats, school board positions, and special district leadership roles. This year’s ballot features a mix of contested and uncontested races, with several incumbents seeking re-election while challengers look to bring new leadership to their respective offices.
City of Brownfield
The City of Brownfield will feature two contested races, including the mayor’s seat.
Mayor
Brownfield voters will have a choice in the race for mayor this May. Incumbent Mayor Eric Horton has filed for re-election and will be challenged by Chuck Nave. Horton is seeking another term after serving in the role and overseeing ongoing city operations and initiatives. Nave has officially filed for the position, setting up a contested race that will allow voters to decide who will lead the city for the next term.
City Council District 1
Incumbent Paul Vasquez Jr. has filed for re-election and has no opposition.
City Council District 2
Incumbent Vanessa Valdonado will be challenged by Elvis Rodriguez. Rodriguez has filed for the District 2 council seat, creating a contested race for Brownfield voters. Rodriguez is also currently a candidate in the Terry County Precinct 4 Commissioner Republican Primary, meaning he is seeking both county and municipal office during this election cycle.
City Council District 3
Incumbent Lee Gamez has filed for re-election and is unopposed.
City of Meadow
The City of Meadow ballot will include a contested mayoral race along with council positions.
Mayor
Incumbent Natalie Howard has filed for re-election and will face challenger Brandon Corley in what is expected to be a closely watched race.
City Council
Chase Flemming and Maria Fraire have both filed for council seats and are currently unopposed.
City of Wellman
Two candidates have filed for council positions in Wellman.
City Council
Cody Griffiths and Jake Rempel have both filed and are expected to serve, with opposition. Incumbent Lucia Ramirez was listed, but no filing was shown at the time of reporting.
Brownfield Regional Medical Center (BRMC) Board
Leadership of the Brownfield Regional Medical Center will also be decided by voters.
BRMC Board
Incumbent Joe Silva has filed for re-election and currently faces no challenger and Rae Campbell will fill Jeffrey Davis’s position with no challenger.
South Plains Underground Water Conservation District (SPUWCD)
Water district leadership plays a vital role in managing the region’s water resources.
Incumbent Tim Swaringen has filed for re-election. Incumbent Tye Day was listed, but no filing was shown at the time of reporting.
Voters within the South Plains Underground Water Conservation District (SPUWCD) will also consider a tax rate measure during the May 3 election. Under the district’s current tax structure, SPUWCD is authorized to levy an ad valorem tax at a maximum rate of $0.025 per $100 of property valuation. However, due to a decrease in overall property valuations across Terry County, the district’s calculated “No New Revenue Tax Rate” has increased to $0.026 per $100 valuation.
Because this calculated rate now exceeds the district’s previously authorized cap, SPUWCD is required by law to hold an election to seek voter approval to reset and authorize a higher maximum tax rate. The measure on the ballot will ask voters to approve increasing the district’s allowable tax rate cap to more than $0.050 per $100 of property valuation. District officials say the election is necessary to ensure the conservation district remains in compliance with state law and maintains its ability to fund operations and water conservation efforts that serve Terry County and the surrounding region.
Brownfield ISD Board of Trustees
Brownfield ISD voters will consider two trustee positions.
- Position 1: Incumbent Geoff Copper has filed and is unopposed.
- Position 2: Incumbent Tim Swaringen has filed and is also unopposed.
Meadow ISD Board of Trustees
The Meadow ISD Board of Trustees race will be contested, with three candidates vying for two available seats on the board. Incumbents Rusty Day and Joshua Ruiz have both filed for re-election, while Roy Martin has also entered the race as a challenger. With more candidates than positions available, voters in the Meadow ISD will determine which two individuals will serve on the school board and help guide the district’s leadership and future direction.
Wellman-Union CISD Board of Trustees
Two incumbents have filed for re-election with no opposition.
- Barrett Brown
- James Harlen
Important Election Information
Election Day for the municipal elections will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2026. Voters who wish to cast their ballots early may do so beginning Monday, April 20, 2026. Early voting will not be held on Tuesday, April 21, due to a state holiday, but will resume Wednesday, April 22, and continue through Friday, April 24. Early voting will also be available the following week on Monday, April 27, and Tuesday, April 28, giving voters multiple opportunities to participate ahead of Election Day.
