Voters across Terry County and surrounding communities will head to the polls on Saturday, May 2, 2026, to decide a range of municipal and local leadership positions. These elections will include races for mayor, city council, school boards, hospital board leadership, and water district representation. While several positions are contested, others feature incumbents running unopposed.
In the City of Brownfield, two races will appear on the ballot, including a contested mayoral race. Incumbent Mayor Eric Horton has filed for re-election and will face challenger Chuck Nave. In City Council District 1, incumbent Paul Vasquez Jr. has filed for re-election and is unopposed. District 2 will feature another contested race, as incumbent Vanessa Valdonado faces challenger Elvis Rodriguez, who is also currently involved in the Republican Primary runoff race for Terry County Precinct 4 commissioner. In District 3, incumbent Lee Gamez has filed for re-election and is unopposed.
In the City of Meadow, voters will also decide a contested mayoral race, with incumbent Natalie Howard facing challenger Brandon Corley. For the city council, Chase Flemming and Maria Fraire have both filed for seats and currently have no opposition.
In Wellman, two candidates have filed for city council positions. Cody Griffiths and Jake Rempel are both seeking seats, while incumbent Lucia Ramirez was listed, though no official filing had been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Leadership of Brownfield Regional Medical Center will also be determined in this election. Incumbent Joe Silva has filed for re-election to the board and is unopposed. Rae Campbell has filed to fill the position currently held by Jeffrey Davis, and that race also has no opposition.
Voters will also weigh in on leadership and a tax-related measure for the South Plains Underground Water Conservation District. Incumbent Tim Swaringen has filed for re-election, while incumbent Tye Day was listed but had not officially filed at the time of reporting. In addition to board positions, voters will consider a tax rate measure affecting the district.
The district currently has the authority to levy a property tax of up to $0.025 per $100 of property valuation. However, due to declining property values across Terry County, the calculated “Voter-approved rate,” formally the “no new revenue” tax rate, has increased to $0.026997 per $100 valuation, which exceeds the district’s current authorized cap. During the August 19, 2026, the SPUWCD voted in favor of the increase.
According to the SPUWCD website, the South Plains Underground Water Conservation District was created by HB 281 (72nd Legislature) in 1991. The District was confirmed by voter approval, the initial Board elected, and an ad valorem tax rate cap of $0.025/$100 valuation was set in an election held in August 1992.
The SPUWCD Board approved the $0.026 levy rate. As a result, state law requires the district to hold an election asking voters to approve resetting the allowable tax rate cap to more than $0.050 per $100 of property valuation. District officials say the measure is necessary to remain in compliance with state law while maintaining funding for water conservation efforts and operational programs across the region.
Several school board positions will also be on the ballot. In Brownfield ISD, incumbent Geoff Copper (Position 1) and Tim Swaringen (Position 2) have both filed for re-election and are unopposed. In Meadow ISD, three candidates are running for two available seats, including incumbents Rusty Day and Joshua Ruiz, as well as challenger Roy Martin. With more candidates than positions, voters will determine which two will serve on the board. In Wellman-Union CISD, incumbents Barrett Brown and James Harlen have both filed for re-election without opposition.
Early voting for the municipal election will begin on Monday, April 20, 2026. There will be no early voting on Tuesday, April 21, due to a state holiday. Voting will resume Wednesday, April 22, through Friday, April 24, and will continue the following week on Monday, April 27, and Tuesday, April 28.
NOTE: THE SATURDAY MAY 2, 2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION IS DIFFERENT THAN THE PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION HELD ON TUEDAY MAY 26, 2026
