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Mayoral election in Austin, Texas (2024)

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← 2022
2024 Austin elections
Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
Election dates
Filing deadline: August 19, 2024
General election: November 5, 2024
Election stats
Offices up: Mayor
Total seats up: 1 (click here for other city elections)
Election type: Nonpartisan
Other municipal elections
U.S. municipal elections, 2024

The city of Austin, Texas, held a general election for mayor on November 5, 2024. The filing deadline for this election was August 19, 2024.

As of 2024, Austin had term limits for the position of mayor. Mayors could serve two consecutive four-year terms and could run again after a four year break.


Elections

Click on the tabs below to show more information about those topics.

Candidates and results

General election

General election for Mayor of Austin

Incumbent Kirk Watson defeated Carmen Llanes Pulido, Kathie Tovo, Jeffery Bowen, and Doug Greco in the general election for Mayor of Austin on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Kirk Watson
Kirk Watson (Nonpartisan)
 
50.0
 
166,890
Image of Carmen Llanes Pulido
Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
20.4
 
68,042
Image of Kathie Tovo
Kathie Tovo (Nonpartisan)
 
16.7
 
55,715
Image of Jeffery Bowen
Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
8.1
 
27,055
Image of Doug Greco
Doug Greco (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
4.7
 
15,768

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 333,470
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Additional elections on the ballot

See also: Texas elections, 2024

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March 5, 2024
May 4, 2024
May 28, 2024
November 5, 2024
December 14, 2024

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

A complete independent Audit of the City of Austin. The recently passed budget of 5.9 billion is totally out of control. How do the taxpayers / shareholders knows where the money is actually going? An external audit would be accomplished over a five year time line.

Each year a large department like water, power or transportation and several smaller departments would be audited. The next year the same to different departments. Lessons from those audits would be implemented in departments and those that still need to be audited that can implement portions. This would be a continuous process and evaluated until ALL departments, including boards and commission are audited. Money for these audits would be in the yearly budget.

There is a lack of transparency and accountability to the taxpayers of Austin. There is a high level of mistrust among the citizens of this council and staff. Recent lawsuits against the city proves they believe they are above the law and not accountable the citizens. Council passes ordinances that violates state laws and have been sued for such behaviors. Recently, council violated the Texas Open Meeting Act regarding the handling of changes to the city charter. The city was sued again and found they violated the rules. When will it stop?

Citizens deserve better.

Safety - We need a police contract. When there is an emergency situation, we need to make sure there is someone to respond. We need to make sure we have enough emergency staff to respond. We need to ensure that we have enough police, firefighters, EMS and call center employees to respond to the needs of the citizens.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Meryl__Czeponis_20241104_030951.png

Doug Greco (Nonpartisan)

Building a Stronger Community Through Good Jobs and Fair Wages Doug's commitment is to create pathways to *good jobs* for everyone in our community. He believes that investing in education, workforce training, and adult development programs will equip both young people and underemployed adults with the skills needed for today’s economy. Doug is committed to supporting living wage initiatives, unions, and accessible childcare, transforming low-wage work into meaningful, secure jobs. Additionally, when public funds support private enterprises, he insists on living wages, benefits, career growth, and local hiring to ensure every investment directly benefits our community and creates long-term prosperity.

Doug's commitment to affordable housing focuses on meaningful, accessible solutions for all Austinites. He will prioritize deeply affordable housing options, targeting households earning below 30% and 50% of the Median Family Income. This includes expanded mortgage, down payment, and rental assistance programs, alongside loans for Accessory Dwelling Units to support low- and moderate-income residents. He will limit the impact of institutional and private investors who dominate local real estate, pushing homeownership out of reach for families. Recent land use code updates will be implemented with families—not investors—in mind. Additionally, he’ll build on successful permanent supportive housing initiatives and enhance our shelter.

Doug's commitment to community safety prioritizes fair pay, accountability, and unity. By ensuring our public safety officers are competitively compensated and supported with contracts, we can attract and retain skilled professionals dedicated to serving Austin. He’ll recruit from Austin’s diverse communities and continue strengthening training and community policing practices that foster trust and collaboration. With nearly 80% of voters backing the Austin Police Oversight Act, Doug is committed to transparency and accountability. Moreover, by investing in social services that uplift individuals and families, he aims to create a safer, more vibrant Austin for all.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

We must address Austin's high cost of living and income inequality, and take real measures to protect and produce truly affordable housing and protecting our quality of life. Our current administration has put deals with developers before the public, and recent policies have no on-site affordability requirements nor protection of existing affordable housing and the people who live in it. We need policies and funding allocations that create real housing opportunities for those with low and moderate incomes. I have a track record of collaborating with developers and neighbors to create hundreds of new units of truly affordable housing, and protecting the rights of tenants and homeowners as we negotiate new and sustainable development.

We must update our critical infrastructure—including power and water—to insure our future quality of life as we grow and weather becomes more extreme. Instead of wasting tax dollars on expensive out-of-town consultants, we can instead address high rates, increase reliability, transition to cleaner energy, and protect our water supply by implementing recommendations from city staff, commissioners, and advocates. We can leverage and bring back utility elections to take control over our local public utilities. This administration, under the mayor's leadership, has attempted to permanently remove our ability to vote on our utilities; I'd bring back these elections and champion cost effective and sustainable solutions.

Austinites have more in common than in disagreement, and effectie governance can get us out of the divisive courtroom battles and all-day divided hearings we have gotten caught up in for year. Austin can once again be a beacon of creativity and innovation. This intergenerational, multicultural, politically and geographically diverse campaign is representative of inclusivity and common sense. As mayor, I pledge to work with all Austinites, including and especially across differences in opinion, to craft solutions that lower our costs and improve our quality of life.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

The lack of the City of Austin in providing and maintaining our infrastructure. This counts for power, water and roads.

The City of Austin wants to get out of the Fayette Power plant by 2029. Yet has not explained how to replace the kilowatt hours needed. Wind does not always blow and the sun is only out so many hours of the day. How will they provide AFFORDABLE electricity to the owners of Austin Energy. 2029 is five years away. Timeline to build a power plant is longer than that.

Water - It is reported Austin waterlines leaks 7 BILLION gallons a year. WHY? Water is a precious commodity and should not be wasted. Yet where is the plan to replace or repair the existing system.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Meryl__Czeponis_20241104_030951.png

Doug Greco (Nonpartisan)

Doug's passion is rooted in empowering communities to create a future that honors our shared values and ensures a livable, vibrant space where everyone can live their best lives. It is this passion that has driven him to fight for housing affordability, workers' rights, and environmental protection, which has shown him the transformative impact of policy on people's lives.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

Responsible land use and community planning, critical infrastructure, climate resilience, affordable housing, childcare and early childhood development, cultural arts, public health (health behaviors), small business development, animal services.
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Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

My late father.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

Living: The Honorable Jackie Goodman. She served four terms elected at-large on our city council, under four different mayors. She never escalated in politics beyond the municipal because, "There was so much left to do." To me these are the words of a true public servant. I also hold Gus García in high esteem. He was a trailblazer as mayor and also maintained a lot of connections with community members as he advanced.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Leadership is NOT a Noun. It is a VERB.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Integrity

Honesty Ability to listen to constituents and respond. Leadership skills The ability to say NO Fiscally Responsible with budgets and resources Awareness of Unintended Consequences

Responsiveness
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

-Accountability to constituents: build a relationship with a diverse network and be willing to listen to new perspectives.

-Ability to maintain dialogue across disagreements wherever possible. Transparency about public investments -Put public interests over political career interests -Center directly impacted people from multiple sides of am issue. -Coming into office, one should know a a sufficient amount about municipal policy to engage in public discourse about these policies. -Ability to listen, apply knowledge, and negotiate from a perspective of interdependency is the most important set of soft skills of a policy maker can have. -An elected official needs a strong internal and external support system and a robust network to increase awareness, capacity, and longevity of the elected official as a leader. -An elected official should also be developing leadership of others, always.

-And, the ability to change one's mind and build an nuanced analysis over time.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Willingness to find the items in common and work on those that items that separate us .
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

I am a community organizer, and used to bringing different perspectives together to craft the best solution to move forward. I am from austin and have worked with very diverse communities here all over the city for the past twenty years. I bring useful energy but also a lot of intergenerational history to the work.And I have a lot of knowledge about municipal issues. I have the ability to connect with communities North, South, East, and West. I can end a lot of the division currently keeping a choke hold on progress at the municipal level, by bringing people from across the political spectrum, shared values and priorities for our municipal issues. I have a proven track record of getting things done, both at city hall and in the community and I would open the doors to technical experts both inside the city and outside within the communty.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

See the characteristics above.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

Set the agenda and frame the conversation: this is the most important role of the mayor in council, work sessions and meetings. I believe that I could bring about an entirely different kind of negotiation and creative space with the current council, let alone a future council. There is so much pressure to go along to get along with the current mayor and I can see it stifling many of the creation native initiatives and critical eye of our council members. Spending is at an all time high, but public interest doesn't have much space for dialogue, and this is something we could significantly change. The mayor also sets the tone with the city manager and has a strong working relationship. Of all of the candidates in this race, I have the closest working relationship with dozens of city departments. At nearly every level of government, we could reduce costs and increase efficiency by listening to some of our frontline and middle management leaders and community advocates. We need leadership that prioritizes basic services and equity in infrastructural updates and social programs. There are so many opportunities to leverage our local expenditures with private and federal dollars.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Completed the first complete audit of the City of Austin.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

I'd like to leave austin in a more sustainable place and more welcoming anf hospitable for longterm stay by the diverse communities that have made it so special. I'd like to revive our economy with greater aggregate demand meaning that more people are doing well and are able to spend their money at local businesses and invest in thriving culture.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Assignation of President Kennedy. Eight years old
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

I remember when Ann Richards was elected as governor of Texas because because we held a symbolic election in my elementary school. I was a month shy of six years old at the time and cast a kindergarten ballot.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Which one

Digging a ditch with a shovel for the installation of a gas line around a small lake for gas lights at 14. or

Working at Dairy Queen at 16.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

I babysat and waited tables in several catering gigs from the age of fourteen, but these were very informal. My first real job (using my my social security number) was in a student, run coffee shop. I worked there for three years.
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Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Tom Clancy
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

I heard it through the Grapevine by the California Raisins
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Finding Honest Dependable people who are willing to put in the effort to get a task accomplished.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

I was diagnosed with chronic myoloid leukemia at age twenty nine and have learned to live with a chronic illness and depend on health insurance. I have a great prognosis and expect to live a normal life, but it has given me a lot of perspective.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

A servant of the people, Even those that did not vote for them. Not a ruler.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

It means that the mayor should reflect the population in some respect, and have an appreciation for all of the differences in various communities that make up the city. It means that the leader of the city takes accountability in setting the agenda and framing the conversation and speaks up on behalf of our city on state issues and federal issues, while maintaining a clear focus on upholding the city charter, which is our local constitution. It means that this person takes a pledge to live a life of service to the city, putting personal interests aside in the general interest of the well being of our public. That means that this person will play a role in the history of our city, speak, and act on behalf of nearly one million people. It means that this position is one of great honor and requires deep listening to the constituents of Austin and a continuous "growing edge" of learning and improvement.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Work with the City Manager in providing the tools to operate the city
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

The mayor's top priority should be setting an agenda that addresses all of the critical issues that need to be discussed in the public arena with respect to our basic services and city governance. The mayor also serves a role of listening to the public and influencing the agenda accordingly. I would go in with an open mind, but I do know that some of our top priorities are securing and updating outdated infrastructure, especially in anticipation of extreme weather advance which are increasingly frequent. I would also immediately assess what we can fix in our land development code to better incentivize affordability and responsible development that reduces pressure on our local power grid and conserves water.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

This is not applicable to our current structure of government.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

The land and the unique people it attracts are by the most special things about this place. Some of my ancestors knew how special this place was over two thousand years ago when they sketched a map of all of the unique water holes in central texas, on a petroglyph outside of Comstock, Texas. There have been Tonkawa and Apache, Caddo and Cuahuilteca, eventually Comanche and Mexicans (and most of these are names given by Anglo settlers) and throughout, it has been clear that this place is special to many people and has been for as long as people have been roaming this area. Farmers, creatives, students, educators, entrepreneurs, government workers, and more have been attracted to this place for generations, and they continue to be attracted here. If austin protects our environment, affordability, and creative culture, we will continue to thrive economically and attract investment.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Affordability It impacts EVERYTHING.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

1) More extreme weather events and our outdated infrastructure, combined with massive population growth and unregulated development, both inside and outside of the city.

2) Staggering income inequality and a very large housing-cost burdened population that is working far too many hours and barely making it inside the city.

3) politically ambitious governance that puts short term gains over long term planning
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Cooperation in being able to get things accomplished for the people. Understanding the responsibilities of each party is of the upmost importance. Disagreements should be put on the table for all to see.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

A greater degree of local control and fewer arguments in court and legislative sessions.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Federal Government should be supportive, not dictated.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

More influx of federal funding for infrastructure updates (including for water conservation and renewable energy) and deeply affordable housing.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

A duck walks in to a bar.... That's all I got.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Cooperative / Open / Honest / Supportive
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

Candor and transparency are important, as is developing trust which takes time. I think that is important for the mayor's office to me. Et regularly with the police chief and the police union and to encourage public dialogue that brings up areas of concern and opportunity from all sides of each issue. Though we are settling a multi-year contract for a period of up to 5 years. I still think we can check-in periodically with our police department annually or more frequently, creating space for public meetings to address public safety issues together with community and staff at the table.
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Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Better Austin Today PAC
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CarmenLlanesPulido2024.png

Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

Julie Oliver

Hon. Gonzalo Barrientos Inaugural Chief Equity Officer Brion Oaks Inaugural Chief Environmental Offficer Katie Coyne Better Austin Today Austin United Community Powered ATX

Indigenous Movement Crew
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JefferyBowen.jpg

Jeffery Bowen (Nonpartisan)

Of all the issues a government can provide, Financial Transparency and a Government being Accountable to the taxpayers should be at the heart of any government.
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Carmen Llanes Pulido (Nonpartisan)

They are critical to efficacious, policy and implementation. This is one of the greatest weaknesses of our current administration and time of governance in Austin, Texas. Never have I seen six Texas Open Meetings Act violations in two years plus two additional lawsuits having to do with an unimplemented police accountability referendum and miss managed funding for public transit. On the contrary, we have so many opportunities to leverage our local investments and deliver results to the people of Austin. With regard to transit affordable housing, climate proved, infrastructure, meaning a reliable power and water supply and holistic solutions to our public safety and homelessness crisis. The answers and successful models are in front of us. I have worked shoulder to shoulder with austinites all over the city, to produce hundreds of new units of affordable housing, improve quality of life around neighborhoods and schools, reduce crime, support real affordable child care, and much more. We need a mayor who will secure our basic services, prioritize community driven solutions, and ensure responsible spending in our public investments.



Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Jeffery Bowen

Image of Jeffery Bowen

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am a fed up, hardworking self-employed Austin resident. Luann and I have lived in Southwest Austin for 35 years. We and our two children were transferred back home to Texas in 1989 where I served at Bergstrom Air Force Base as a Leadership and Management Instructor. I served just over twenty years, in the United States Air Force, where I held positions as a Construction Manager, aircraft Crew Chief and a Radar site evaluator until I retired. Both Luann and I have our own small businesses. I have a Construction Services company and Luann has a sewing business. Currently, I am very involved in the Austin Community. I am board member on the City of Austin Board of Adjustments for District 6. I serve as 1st Vice President for Austin Neighborhoods Council and have served five years as the Southwest sector rep. ANC representative to the Austin’s Water Quality Protection Lands (WQPL) Project Connect Ambassador Network (PCAN) for Austin Neighborhoods Council representing neighborhoods through the process for two years before the vote and after for Austin Transit and Light Rail system. Austin Habitat volunteer – developed and taught Habitat’s Home Owner maintenance program"

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

A complete independent Audit of the City of Austin. The recently passed budget of 5.9 billion is totally out of control. How do the taxpayers / shareholders knows where the money is actually going? An external audit would be accomplished over a five year time line. Each year a large department like water, power or transportation and several smaller departments would be audited. The next year the same to different departments. Lessons from those audits would be implemented in departments and those that still need to be audited that can implement portions. This would be a continuous process and evaluated until ALL departments, including boards and commission are audited. Money for these audits would be in the yearly budget.

There is a lack of transparency and accountability to the taxpayers of Austin. There is a high level of mistrust among the citizens of this council and staff. Recent lawsuits against the city proves they believe they are above the law and not accountable the citizens. Council passes ordinances that violates state laws and have been sued for such behaviors. Recently, council violated the Texas Open Meeting Act regarding the handling of changes to the city charter. The city was sued again and found they violated the rules. When will it stop? Citizens deserve better.

Safety - We need a police contract. When there is an emergency situation, we need to make sure there is someone to respond. We need to make sure we have enough emergency staff to respond. We need to ensure that we have enough police, firefighters, EMS and call center employees to respond to the needs of the citizens.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Austin in 2024.

Doug Greco

Image of Doug Greco

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Doug organized for 17 years with the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), the nation’s largest and longest-standing network of faith and community-based organizations, including 12 years as Lead Organizer with Central Texas Interfaith, a coalition of 35 congregations, labor unions, schools, and nonprofits across the Central Texas region. Doug has also served as Chief of Staff to State Rep. Gina Hinojosa and as Director of Programs with Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. Doug got his start in organizing as a teacher at Johnston High School (now Eastside Early College High School) in East Austin, where he taught for five years after moving to Austin after graduating from Brown University in 1997."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

Building a Stronger Community Through Good Jobs and Fair Wages Doug's commitment is to create pathways to *good jobs* for everyone in our community. He believes that investing in education, workforce training, and adult development programs will equip both young people and underemployed adults with the skills needed for today’s economy. Doug is committed to supporting living wage initiatives, unions, and accessible childcare, transforming low-wage work into meaningful, secure jobs. Additionally, when public funds support private enterprises, he insists on living wages, benefits, career growth, and local hiring to ensure every investment directly benefits our community and creates long-term prosperity.

Doug's commitment to affordable housing focuses on meaningful, accessible solutions for all Austinites. He will prioritize deeply affordable housing options, targeting households earning below 30% and 50% of the Median Family Income. This includes expanded mortgage, down payment, and rental assistance programs, alongside loans for Accessory Dwelling Units to support low- and moderate-income residents. He will limit the impact of institutional and private investors who dominate local real estate, pushing homeownership out of reach for families. Recent land use code updates will be implemented with families—not investors—in mind. Additionally, he’ll build on successful permanent supportive housing initiatives and enhance our shelter.

Doug's commitment to community safety prioritizes fair pay, accountability, and unity. By ensuring our public safety officers are competitively compensated and supported with contracts, we can attract and retain skilled professionals dedicated to serving Austin. He’ll recruit from Austin’s diverse communities and continue strengthening training and community policing practices that foster trust and collaboration. With nearly 80% of voters backing the Austin Police Oversight Act, Doug is committed to transparency and accountability. Moreover, by investing in social services that uplift individuals and families, he aims to create a safer, more vibrant Austin for all.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Austin in 2024.

Carmen Llanes Pulido

Image of Carmen Llanes Pulido

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Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am a second generation community organizer, nonprofit leader, and former city commissioner from Austin, Texas. I am running to bring new, accountable, and community-driven leadership to our local governance, learning the lessons of our past to adapt and reinvent Austin for the future without losing our values and what we love. I bring a wealth of knowledge of municipal issues, a diverse network of connections from across the city, and broad relationships with existing city staff across many departments. Most importantly, I have a track record of bringing people together and listening to those directly impacted on multiple side of an issue, to craft sustainable solutions. I have worked with communities and the City of Austin to leverage tens of millions of dollars and make policy changes to support our housing, childcare systems, infrastructure, and basic services. I am running for mayor because Austin deserves more transparent and better use of our spending for important services like public transportation, public safety, updated infrastructure that withstands the extreme weather ahead, and the protection and production of truly affordable housing. We've seen six violations of the Open Meetings Act and multiple lawsuits over police accountability and use of funds for public transit. It's time for transparent governance that leverages the expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and creativity of our population. We have tremendous challenges and opportunities ahead."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

We must address Austin's high cost of living and income inequality, and take real measures to protect and produce truly affordable housing and protecting our quality of life. Our current administration has put deals with developers before the public, and recent policies have no on-site affordability requirements nor protection of existing affordable housing and the people who live in it. We need policies and funding allocations that create real housing opportunities for those with low and moderate incomes. I have a track record of collaborating with developers and neighbors to create hundreds of new units of truly affordable housing, and protecting the rights of tenants and homeowners as we negotiate new and sustainable development.

We must update our critical infrastructure—including power and water—to insure our future quality of life as we grow and weather becomes more extreme. Instead of wasting tax dollars on expensive out-of-town consultants, we can instead address high rates, increase reliability, transition to cleaner energy, and protect our water supply by implementing recommendations from city staff, commissioners, and advocates. We can leverage and bring back utility elections to take control over our local public utilities. This administration, under the mayor's leadership, has attempted to permanently remove our ability to vote on our utilities; I'd bring back these elections and champion cost effective and sustainable solutions.

Austinites have more in common than in disagreement, and effectie governance can get us out of the divisive courtroom battles and all-day divided hearings we have gotten caught up in for year. Austin can once again be a beacon of creativity and innovation. This intergenerational, multicultural, politically and geographically diverse campaign is representative of inclusivity and common sense. As mayor, I pledge to work with all Austinites, including and especially across differences in opinion, to craft solutions that lower our costs and improve our quality of life.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Austin in 2024.

Mayoral partisanship

See also: Partisanship in United States municipal elections (2024)

Thirty-four of the 100 largest cities held mayoral elections in 2024. Once mayors elected in 2024, assumed office Democrats held 65 top-100 mayoral offices, Republicans 25, Libertarians held one, independents held two, and nonpartisan mayors held four. Three mayors' partisan affiliations were unknown.

The following top 100 cities saw a change in mayoral partisan affiliation in 2024:[1]


What was at stake?

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Candidate survey

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About the city

See also: Austin, Texas

Austin is the state capital of Texas. It is located in Travis County. As of 2020, its population was 961,855.

City government

See also: Council-manager government

Since 1924, the city of Austin has utilized a council-manager system.[3] In this form of municipal government, an elected city council—which includes the mayor and serves as the city's primary legislative body—appoints a chief executive called a city manager to oversee day-to-day municipal operations and implement the council's policy and legislative initiatives.[4][5]

Demographics

The following table displays demographic data provided by the United States Census Bureau.

Demographic Data for Austin, Texas
Austin Texas
Population 961,855 29,145,505
Land area (sq mi) 320 261,267
Race and ethnicity**
White 69.4% 69.2%
Black/African American 7.8% 12.1%
Asian 7.7% 4.9%
Native American 0.7% 0.5%
Pacific Islander 0.1% 0.1%
Other (single race) 7.8% 6.2%
Multiple 6.5% 7%
Hispanic/Latino 33.3% 39.4%
Education
High school graduation rate 90.3% 84.4%
College graduation rate 53.4% 30.7%
Income
Median household income $75,752 $63,826
Persons below poverty level 12.5% 14.2%
Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2015-2020).
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.


See also

Austin, Texas Texas Municipal government Other local coverage
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External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ As of January 7, 2025, the party affiliation of one mayor elected in 2024 was unknown. Ballotpedia contacted El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson's campaign in December to inquire about his party affiliation and had not yet received a reply. As incumbent Oscar Leeser was a Democrat, this decreased the net gain for Democrats from two to one.
  2. ↑ [San Antonio Express-News, "‘I’m a Democrat’: Mayor Ron Nirenberg campaigns for Kamala Harris, embraces party label," September 14, 2024]
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named gov
  4. ↑ Office of the City Manager, "About," accessed August 19, 2014
  5. ↑ Austin City Charter V 1-3, accessed August 26, 2014
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