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Mayoral election in El Paso, Texas (2024)

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← 2020
2024 El Paso elections
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Election dates
Filing deadline: August 19, 2024
General election: November 5, 2024
Runoff election: December 14, 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 El Paso, Texas, held a general election for mayor on November 5, 2024. The race went to a general runoff election on December 14, 2024. The filing deadline for this election was August 19, 2024.

As of 2024, El Paso had term limits for the position of mayor. Mayors served a four-year term with a 10 year lifetime limit.


Elections

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

Candidates and results

General runoff election

General runoff election for Mayor of El Paso

Renard Johnson defeated Brian Kennedy in the general runoff election for Mayor of El Paso on December 14, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Renard Johnson
Renard Johnson (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
56.1
 
19,630
Image of Brian Kennedy
Brian Kennedy (Nonpartisan)
 
43.9
 
15,343

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 34,973
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.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

General election

General election for Mayor of El Paso

The following candidates ran in the general election for Mayor of El Paso on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Renard Johnson
Renard Johnson (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
32.5
 
59,698
✔
Image of Brian Kennedy
Brian Kennedy (Nonpartisan)
 
24.2
 
44,516
Image of Cassandra Hernandez
Cassandra Hernandez (Nonpartisan)
 
10.3
 
19,025
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Submit photo
Steven Winters (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
8.6
 
15,843
Image of Isabel Salcido
Isabel Salcido (Nonpartisan)
 
7.4
 
13,631
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Marco Contreras (Nonpartisan)
 
6.5
 
11,925
Image of Elizabeth Cordova
Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
5.9
 
10,773
Image of Ben Mendoza
Ben Mendoza (Nonpartisan)
 
4.6
 
8,462

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 183,873
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.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Additional elections on the ballot

See also: Texas elections, 2024

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January 20, 2024
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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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

My overall message is that I want to play an important role in seeing El Paso prosper in every aspect of the word We are in a crucial moment in time where it can worse, it can stay stagnant or with new, fresh leadership like myself will be the catalyst for positive change and positive results. There is a lot of experience in city council but where are the results? We cannot continue as a city to spend unwisely, bad decisions and stagnation. It is time for new, fresh leadership that will produce results. I believe I am that person to lead us to growth, thriving and a quality of life city where people want to move here and live here. We need change in city council and new leaders. I believe that I was born for such a time as this.

My proposal for economic growth - Roads to economic growth. We are a diamond in the rough and we need to work with what we have. We are a beautiful border city that borders Cuidad Juarez. There are many billionaires in Cuidad Juarez and Chihuahua and we need to invite them to invest in El Paso.. I can definitely strengthen our much needed business relationships with Cuidad Juarez and Chihuahua Mexico. This is one of the main items I will be focusing on, it ties into affordable housing, better wages, attracting bigger businesses, and a better quality of life for all El Pasoans..

Safer streets, safer neighborhoods, safer city. This is paramount for people who are looking to move to a city. We have the beautiful weather, the friendly people and it is of paramount importance to have a safer city over all. The economic growth, affordable housing, better wages are all tied together.
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Renard Johnson (Nonpartisan)

We need economic development.

Sustainably growing our city is the key to addressing many issues -- high property taxes, lack of careers, brain drain, stagnant city revenues. Currently, I staff nearly 800 people across several different countries. I’ve managed nearly $1 billion in taxpayer dollars as a government contractor. Not only can I properly handle large budgets and spend wisely, I also know how to properly manage staffing. In addition, my 30+ years in business has given me connections across the nation to industries we need to bring to El Paso in aerospace, medical, and technology to address our brain drain and lack of future-forward careers.

Public safety Currently, we're short 300+ police officers. We're seeing challenges with DUIs, petty crimes, and youth crime. I'm ready to institute recruitment and retention programs to make sure our police department is properly staffed to keep our city safe.

Stagnation.

I'm ready to be a mayor for the future. Repeatedly, El Pasoans have expressed their disappointment with current city leadership. They want more opportunities, better jobs, improved roads, and lower taxes. I'm ready to business experience to work for the people of El Paso to help us build a better city for us all. It's time for El Paso to become competitive with other Texas cities.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

I’m a working class citizen who will work for the people. I’m not about Big Business getting tax breaks. I want the working class citizens to receive the tax breaks. For far too long, we the people of El Paso have been paying the tax burden in our city. Property taxes are at its highest levels with no end in site. Why is El Paso the highest property tax city in the state of Texas. I would like to see on day one. Property tax burden removed from citizens who are 70 ages old and older. They should not have to pay property tax for the rest of their natural life. Then we need to sit down and look at a realistic, property tax mandate. We also need to re-look concessions that are current used for developers and utilities

Next, we need to put together a real plan and committed budget for our streets and infrastructure in and out side of the city of El paso. For far too long, our streets have been neglected. We’ve been using substandard repairing materials which just caused us to spend double or triple the cost because we have to re-repair things that have already been repaired. Street in the shape they currently are, cause loss wages for many El Paso citizens. If you are rich, you don’t understand this. People work paycheck to paycheck each month. Having to pay for vehicle repairs that are not in the budget. This causes hardship for the average citizen. The time is now, to dedicate a true budget for street repair

Next is to raise the minimum wage in El Paso. People deserve to have decent wages to be able to live comfortable without having to put off different bills because they don’t make a decent wage. We must offer better wages, and better jobs. Bringing in companies that need our skilled labors is a way to increase wages in El, paso and offset property tax by using commercial businesses to pay the taxpayer burden. We must focus the next four years on the citizens of El paso and not the billionaires Of El Paso. Yes I’m saying that, not scared of what might be placed against me. I’m about the working class citizen first! We need to control the crazy spending inside of city government. Figure out what truly needs to be spent. (eliminating waste)
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

Everything about public policy brings passion to me. I am a taxpayer, homeowner, and a small business owner who wants the officials with power to have transparency, accountability, and ethics because every decision about public policy will affect me. The only thing that I can promise as your Mayor is that I will exercise discernment, intelligence, sound judgement, careful planning, in every public policy that will come to my desk. I will exercise a code of ethics and see how it will affect the city in the long term not just short term.
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Renard Johnson (Nonpartisan)

Economic development, affordable housing, job creation, and public safety.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

1. Public safety, increasing the number of officers on the streets. 2. Property tax reform. 3. Repair our streets and infrastructure. 4. Stop crazy spending with city government. Eliminate fraud waste and abuse. 5. Raise the minimum wage in El Paso and bring in more commercial businesses. 6. DO EXACTLY WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT DONE! 7. Be transparent to the people of our city. 8. Build citizens groups to understand what the city really wants done. Come sense approach of leadership! 9. Return the city government back to a Mayor/city council form of government. We need a strong Mayor of leadership
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

My mom isy unsung hero. I am the woman that I am.because of her. She taught how to be a lady, how to dress, she would put in public speaking at a very early age, she instilled in me faith in God. She marked my life. At the moment I didn't understand why she was hard on me but I am the woman that I am- a servant's heart, resilient, think big, culture and traditions, be proud of being Latina, use your voice, avid reader, from classical music to almost every genre of music, the love of dance. She is my unsung hero
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

First and foremost, I look up to my father who has passed away. He has shared many examples and experiences that I need to be a productive citizen in our country. He taught me values and my role as a father and a serviceman. I believe that I have taught my children to be the best they can be at anything they choose to do, I also have a mentor who recently passed away also named Carl Robinson. He was a great leader here in El paso. Carl never took a day off when it came to serving the citizens of El paso his work ethic and principles I learned from. Watching him and assisting him on many projects during his time as city Council member and commissioners court. I learned how the city of Of El Paso government worked. With his wishes and blessing I am currently running for mayor Of El Paso. The Honorable Carl Robinson wanted me to work for the citizens and do for the citizens. His words to me serve the people, Of El Paso, and be accountable for every action that you make. Your decisions will affect people in ways you don’t understand. But you will see on the faces of the people if you did right or wrong by them. So every day you need to be with the people in about the people.
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

I was very inspired with the movie "Shirley". I have seen it 19 times. I don't fully agree with her but she was a trailblazer. I can identify and see myself in her. I am not a politician but I could not continue to sit on the sidelines and do nothing. She believed in her cause, and she believed she could make a difference. I am just a small business owner but I believe that I, too have a cause and a dream to become the first latina Mayor of El Paso and impact my city. A woman can change the world. She dared to be the first black woman to run for president in 1972. And in a way she inspired and paved the way for me to put my name in the hat. Her boldness, tenaciousness, and her never give up attitude inspired me.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

I’m not a politician, but I live by the non commissioned officers Creed. Here are a few of the principles. Prioritize the welfare of the soldiers or people you should always put the neat of the citizens or soldiers first. Be competent, you should strive to be technically and tactically proficient. Be fair and impartial you should be fair when recommending reward and punishments accountability is key . Be loyal, you should always be loyal to your seniors, peers and subordinates and all citizens of El Paso count! Be professional, you should not compromise your integrity or moral courage be a leader. You should provide outstanding leadership to all you serve be fully aware of your role. You should be aware of your subordinates role and fulfill their every needs Be a leader a leader that provides outstanding leadership to his or hers, employees, and citizens of the city of El Paso. Don’t use your position for personal gain.. Leaders should not use their position to obtain pleasure, profit, or personal safety. This creed and call to duty is intended to be lived 24 hours a day and seven days a week not just recited leaders should ensure that their actions words and demeanor are in keeping with the finest traditions of the office in which they serve …………… taken from(US Army non commissioned officers creed) in which I live continually everyday.
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

To be an effective leader and lead well, an elected leader must have a sense of what is right and wrong,do the right thing when no one is watching, accountability, have no self gain or ego based decisions, transparency, good will, a strong work ethic, see the bigger picture, leave a positive legacy, incorporate new forward thinking ideas. I leader that produces positive results. A leader that works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all individuals not just special interest groups. A genuine , honest individual that has morals and principles based on truth, with liberty and justice for all. Someone that doesn't just follow the crowd and molds to the usual politician who is known for lying, empty promises and stagnation. A person who is not perfect but has high standards and wants to do the right thing.
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Renard Johnson (Nonpartisan)

Accountability, transparency, and listening to the people of El Paso.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

Strong leadership with an accountability approach with a firm hand and continuous follow up of city government. You must be a leader that can delegate but not forget to follow up and hold your leaders accountable for every action and decision made. It must be about the citizens, serving the citizens, not government being served by the citizens. For far too long citizens feel like they are being stepped on by government and not being served by government. This must change and will change under my leadership. I’ve served 20+ years in government, and I only understand that you’re only as good as the lowest person on your staff so we must figure out how to motivate people to work as hard as they can for a better El Paso. As mayor, I won’t run away from any issue, I will take fault for what does not go right but I will celebrate what we can accomplish for the people in our city. This is my mission and my priority, and I will work full-time as mayor to accomplish it
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

I am not a politician. I am genuine, a strong leader, I am a woman, have a wealth of life experience, tenacious, don't take no for an answer, diplomatic, critical thinking, intelligent, centered, I have a deep reverential accountability to God, to myself, and to the people of El Paso. I bring a fresh, new approach in leadership. I will produce results.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

My experience as a command sergeants major in the United States army I feel has given me the tools to be fully successful in the office of mayor Of El Paso. My leadership command officers, NCO, and enlisted soldiers has giving me experience in holding people accountable. I’ve managed multi million dollar contracts, budget, equipment and salaries throughout each level of government service. Leadership is leadership no matter what type of operation you’re running. Accountability and transparency are key tools to success.
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

The core responsibilities of an elected official are serving the community, making sure that the people have a decent quality of life, affordable housing, that the city is prospering as a whole, safe streets, safer neighborhoods, and a safer city. To bring in economic growth to the city, to maintain the line on taxes and spend wisely and keep with the budget. To find other ways of making money for the city that do not involve unnecessary spending. To not incur further debt.
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Renard Johnson (Nonpartisan)

Public Safety and Security

Ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and addressing issues such as crime prevention and disaster preparedness.

Economic Development Promoting business growth, job creation, and attracting investments to the city.

Public Health and Social Services Managing public health initiatives, social programs, and services for vulnerable populations.

City Infrastructure and Planning Overseeing the maintenance and improvement of roads, utilities, and transportation systems.

Housing and Homelessness Addressing affordable housing issues and homelessness.

Environmental Sustainability Implementing policies that protect the environment, promote clean energy, and tackle El Paso's climate change issues.

Government Oversight and Accountability Leading the city government, making key decisions on budgets, providing a vision, and ensuring that public funds are spent efficiently and transparently.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

Serving as a voice for the people of El Paso and addressing their concerns.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

1. Loyalty and honesty to the citizens of El paso

2. Full transparency and responsibility to the citizens of our city. 3. Never lie, cheat, or steal from government, taxpayers, property, taxpayers, working taxpayers, and all forms of tax payers and government. You should never take what is not yours especially not from hard-working class citizens in the city of El paso. 4. Always work in a ethical manner never compromise your ethics 5. Understand what the true definition of service means. 6. Stand up and face your decisions made. Then explain what it is you are trying to do for the citizens. Transparency is key you must be accountable to the taxpayers.

7. Understand leadership. Breakdown the words of leadership and then live by your words to the fullest extent of what the definition of leadership is. If you can’t do that. Then step away from the position you are holding office for.
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

My legacy would be first of all, a debt free thriving and prospering city in all aspects. Where people want to move. Live., Work , and play in El Paso. Where they say that Mayor Elizabeth Cordova was not the typical politician that lied, and was corrupt and kept us in debt - she actually made a huge difference in the city.
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Renard Johnson (Nonpartisan)

I'd like to create an El Paso that works better for everyone. A city with better jobs, more entertainment, lower taxes, and is more competitive with other Texas cities.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

The legacy that I would like to receive and leave is that he was about the people for the people with full service to the people.
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

The first historical event was my birth. I was born in the historical famous Segundo Barrio..
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

The first historical event for myself was the Persian Gulf war where I served as a combat engineer plowing mine field, so we could breach into Iraq. I believe I was 22 or 23 years old. This was a significant event in my life as I continue to serve in the military and serve in many more combat roles. I am a proud combat vet of America’s fight terrorism. I believe freedom is not free and you must fight for it every single day. I am a proud American and I wouldn’t have it any other way
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

My first job was working at my grandfather's tortilla factory. I worked at the factory my high school years. I am very thankful because I learned good work ethic and learned to save money and learned the value of a dollar
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

My first job was when I was in college at the University of Utah. I worked for one of the local moving companies during the summer when school was out. I enjoyed the work that I did and the workouts it created on the job. I still communicate with friends that I worked with to this day. Working minimum wage and receiving tips was a new experience for me, but I enjoyed every minute of it I worked that job every summer for four different summers.
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

The art of war. It's intriguing and I see myself as a warrior.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

Every Day A Friday. By Joel Osteel. You must live your life for the future. You must see things positively and not negatively. When you can think positive things work differently for your life. That’s what I want for El paso a different life, a better life for our future.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

Black Adam he was there to serve the people of his country and city Black Adam stood for the people and not the oppressors.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

I don't have personal experiences or memories, but I can imagine that a song like "El Paso" by Marty Robbins might resonate with the spirit of the city. It’s a classic, rich with the history and culture of our region. Many folks around here can’t help but sing along when they hear it—it has that way of sticking with you!
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

As a candidate for mayor of El Paso, I believe that understanding and overcoming challenges is key to leadership. One personal struggle I’ve faced is balancing the demands of a busy professional life with the responsibilities of family and community. Like many of you, I’ve had to make tough choices about how to allocate my time and energy to ensure that both my career and my loved ones thrive. This experience has given me a deep sense of empathy for the families of El Paso who are juggling work, school, and the need for more support in our community. I bring this perspective with me as I think about the challenges our city faces—whether it's ensuring access to affordable housing, improving education, or creating more job opportunities. I believe in tackling these issues with the same commitment and dedication that I’ve applied in my own life. El Paso deserves leadership that understands the daily struggles of its residents and works tirelessly to make life better for everyone.
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

I am the ambassador, first of all of that city. I am the representation of every constituent, I am the diplomat that represents the city in negotiations, in initiatives, proposals, and strengthening relationships with potential investors.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

Being the mayor in El paso is being a lead leader 24/7. You must be a full-time mayor and not a part-time mayor. Every day you’re in office must be spent with full transparency, full liability, full acceptance of all faults and full service to the people of the city. There is no time for self. You must be a person of service. Capable leadership is a must. You must be confident, honest, loyal and full of ethics and integrity to sit in the office of mayor Of El Paso.
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

The Mayor's top priority should be to lead. She needs to make sure that everything is running correctly, have good working relationship with department heads and staff, have a close working relationship with the city manager at all times.
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Renard Johnson (Nonpartisan)

Public Safety, Economic Development, Advocacy.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

The mayor must be an advocate of the people he or she must be the voice that speaks for the people of the city. The mayor must hold the city manager and city council members accountable of all actions and decisions that they make on aThe mayor must be a advocate of the people he or she must be the voice that speaks for the people of the city. The mayor must hold the city manager and city council members accountable of all actions and decisions that they make on a day-to-day basis.. The mayor should keep the city manager focused on what the city manager job is. The city manager has no days off. The mayor must have the city Council focused on legislation inside the city. The mayor seat is for holding people accountable and keeping people transparent in their service to city government. The mayor is not the friend of city Council and city government. The mayor is the advocate for the people serving the people only.
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

What I love the most about my city is the weather, the friendly people, the good Mexican authentic food, it's rich history and that we are a border city with Cuidad Juarez. We are unique. One of the
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Renard Johnson (Nonpartisan)

The people of El Paso are the kindest, hardest working, most genuine people and it's our greatest asset.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

I love the Sun City of El Paso Texas. Once I retired from the military, I returned to the Sun City to live my retirement days because of the great people in culture that’s in this city. There is no better place to live when you have people in culture the way it is here in El Paso, Texas. That being said, we must return what we take and give the city what it deserves. For far too long we have not given back to our city the people. It’s time now to give it back and serve the great culture and traditions of Hispanics and other minority cultures Inside this city. Everyone deserves better than what we’ve had for three decades. Now it’s the time for change El paso I’m asking you to help me make that change by voting Steven Winters as mayor of El paso
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

One of the greatest challenges over the next decade in the city is not accumulating more debt. Our roads, streets, freeway and possible needing a new bridge that crosses into Mexico. The stagnation in weak wages, affordable housing, and better connection of roads for commerce.
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Renard Johnson (Nonpartisan)

Property taxes are the number one concern of most El Pasoans. Current city leaders will tell you that they’ve held the tax rate steady for two years, but the evaluations on homes have increased tremendously. That leads to El Pasoans paying higher taxes – the highest in the State of Texas. The truth is, we need to look at the budget and ensure all resources are being wisely spent, but we simply can’t “budget cut” our way into lower taxes without City services suffering. We’re already short 300-400 police officers. The City streets and roads team is short 100 people, which is evident by the number of potholes. There are hundreds of vacancies of important roles in City Hall. Cutting the budget until the city begins to fail isn’t the solution – economic development is. It’s the factor our city has been missing for years. We need a mayor with the right connections throughout the state; someone who is ready to get out of City Hall and bring the businesses to El Paso. We need synergy between the county government, the City Manager, and the Mayor’s office to make sure we’re firing on all cylinders to secure the opportunities that other cities have been taking from us for decades. With the right leadership and a clear goal, we can finally create a more vibrant El Paso.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

Our city needs to repair streets and infrastructure. We need a dedicated budget that will over the next 10 years. Bring back decency to our streets. We need to figure out how to turn El paso into a tourism capital of our state and our nation. We have so much history and great culture sitting right here in the Sun City but we have not taken advantage of it. We need something that will bring people to our city, like great amusement parks great food, restaurants great companies that are fortune 500 list. We need to make El paso a great destination. Let’s take a great look as a community, listening to the voices of the citizens of our city to guide us in the direction that we need to go to obtain this goal .
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

The ideal relationship with my city. D the state government is very important. Again, I say we are a unique border city with. Commerce going to and from El Paso to Cuidad Juarez, and we need more state and federal dollars to come to El Paso. That is something that I plan to strengthen
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

Right now, El paso does not have a good relationship with the governors office. We have shut the door between the city of El paso in the Governors office in Austin. Texas is the eighth largest economy in the world and our governor controls that economy. So we need to open the door and work with our governor, so El paso can reap the benefits that all the other cities in Texas From today. We are taxpayers to our state, but yet we don’t receive the benefits that the other cities in El paso benefit from. This is a large problem. As mayor, I will turn this around and work with Governor Abbott each and every day to help our city grow and prosper to what it should be in Texas we are city of Texas and we deserve everything that Texas has to offer to our city. There’s no time for pride, but there is time for humility and workmanship with Austin. So let’s grow El paso let’s grow!!
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

Very crucial. We need more federal funding.tl come to El Paso.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

I will push our grants departments to seek and find and apply for every single government federal grant possible no matter what it is. El paso deserves to receive that federal dollar. Grant riders in our city will be putting in a full days work.
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

Bad at telling jokes but I sure like to laugh
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

Why don’t skeletons fight each other? Because they don’t have the guts!
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

This is very important to have a solid consistent relationship with law enforcement because it is part of having a safer city, safer neighborhoods and safer streets
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

The mayor should be the advocate for the people to the chief of police the chief of police, then should be following the guidance of the mayor and enforcing the laws of the city and protecting the public safety of its citizens. The mayor is the voice of the people and the police chief must hear the voice of the people. We all serve the citizens not the citizens serving city government. In conjunction with the city manager and city council I will work hand-in-hand to ensure that El paso will return as the safest city in America. You the citizens deserve nothing but the best.
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

No endorsements yet. Family, friends and my advertisers that advertise in my magazine - Herencia My Heritage magazine.
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Renard Johnson (Nonpartisan)

I'm honored to have more than 100 endorsements, including those from local business owners, elected officials, labor unions, doctors, lawyers, retirees, students and more. See the entire list here: https://www.renardfor915.com/endorsements
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

Citizens of El Paso Veterans community

Citizens of El Paso Motorcycle Coalition of El Paso

We refuse to accept paid endorsements
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Elizabeth Cordova (Nonpartisan)

My views are simple and easy to understand. The constituents give the power to elected individuals to up hold the law, integrity, accountability, transparency - that should be second nature it's a huge responsibility that should not be taken lightly and should be done honestly.
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Renard Johnson (Nonpartisan)

Transparency means that citizens have open access to information about how the City of El Paso operates, including decisions on spending and policy. We must create a system where people feel informed and able to engage with City leaders, which will foster trust and ensure the residents are being heard. I’m told repeatedly by members of our community that they don’t believe their concerns and priorities are being heard by City leaders. It’s time we create a culture of listening and accountability in City Hall. I plan to be fully accessible to the community as your mayor.
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Steven Winters (Nonpartisan)

We must be transparent. We owe that to the people, they have trusted us with their hard earned money. We don’t have the right to abuse that in any manner. Full transparency is a must there is no way around it. Value the cities money as you value your own.



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.

Elizabeth Cordova

Image of Elizabeth Cordova

Facebook

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am not a politician. I am a mother, wife, sister, business owner, Born and raised in El Paso. I am Mexican American, speak write and read both English and Spanish. I know both customs and cultures and traditions. I have a bachelor's degree in business, was a non profit organization executive director, own a local magazine. I am a woman leader and was involved in leadership El Paso class of 2000. I officiate eulogies, funeral services and graveside services. I am involved with the EPCC adult senor program. My husband and I have a ministry where we go to hospitals and pray for the sick. I served on the El Paso library board and volunteer at my daughter's school. I have no hidden agendas, no special interest groups, no fat cats, no ulterior motives for my running. I will not compromise my moral compass or my high standards. I am genuine, forward way of thinking and believe in results not empty promises. I am centered balanced and confident. I am intelligent, creative and hard working. My husband and I are empty nesters and I can dedicate my time and energy to the city of El Paso.my o"

Key Messages

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

My overall message is that I want to play an important role in seeing El Paso prosper in every aspect of the word We are in a crucial moment in time where it can worse, it can stay stagnant or with new, fresh leadership like myself will be the catalyst for positive change and positive results. There is a lot of experience in city council but where are the results? We cannot continue as a city to spend unwisely, bad decisions and stagnation. It is time for new, fresh leadership that will produce results. I believe I am that person to lead us to growth, thriving and a quality of life city where people want to move here and live here. We need change in city council and new leaders. I believe that I was born for such a time as this.

My proposal for economic growth - Roads to economic growth. We are a diamond in the rough and we need to work with what we have. We are a beautiful border city that borders Cuidad Juarez. There are many billionaires in Cuidad Juarez and Chihuahua and we need to invite them to invest in El Paso.. I can definitely strengthen our much needed business relationships with Cuidad Juarez and Chihuahua Mexico. This is one of the main items I will be focusing on, it ties into affordable housing, better wages, attracting bigger businesses, and a better quality of life for all El Pasoans..

Safer streets, safer neighborhoods, safer city. This is paramount for people who are looking to move to a city. We have the beautiful weather, the friendly people and it is of paramount importance to have a safer city over all. The economic growth, affordable housing, better wages are all tied together.

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

Renard Johnson

Image of Renard Johnson

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "A graduate of Andress High, I grew up in Northeast El Paso. I attended and graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso where I started my business METI, Inc as a student. My company operates as a government contractor, supporting the men and women in the military. I have nearly 800 staffers across the United States and in several international offices. I’ve managed nearly $1 billion in taxpayer dollars and managed large budgets. Additionally, I’ve also founded El Perro Grande tequila, right here in El Paso. The father of two young girls aged 10 and 14, a life-long El Pasoan, and local business owner."

Key Messages

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

We need economic development. Sustainably growing our city is the key to addressing many issues -- high property taxes, lack of careers, brain drain, stagnant city revenues. Currently, I staff nearly 800 people across several different countries. I’ve managed nearly $1 billion in taxpayer dollars as a government contractor. Not only can I properly handle large budgets and spend wisely, I also know how to properly manage staffing. In addition, my 30+ years in business has given me connections across the nation to industries we need to bring to El Paso in aerospace, medical, and technology to address our brain drain and lack of future-forward careers.

Public safety Currently, we're short 300+ police officers. We're seeing challenges with DUIs, petty crimes, and youth crime. I'm ready to institute recruitment and retention programs to make sure our police department is properly staffed to keep our city safe.

Stagnation. I'm ready to be a mayor for the future. Repeatedly, El Pasoans have expressed their disappointment with current city leadership. They want more opportunities, better jobs, improved roads, and lower taxes. I'm ready to business experience to work for the people of El Paso to help us build a better city for us all. It's time for El Paso to become competitive with other Texas cities.

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

Steven Winters

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Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Hello, I’m CSM(R) Steven Winters, and I'm running for Mayor of our great Sun City: El Paso, TX.

    • Who am I?**
I have called this beautiful city home since 2010. I served our country for over 20 years in the United States Army, deploying multiple times in defense of our nation and our community. I am the proud father of six wonderful children, some of whom have graduated from or are currently attending prestigious institutions like West Point, the Air Force Academy, UTSA, and UTEP. Public service is a family tradition. I’m not a career politician; I’m a common man with middle-class and lower-middle-class values, just like the 580,000 fellow citizens registered to vote in our Sun City. I understand what it's like to live paycheck to paycheck, and I know there’s a better way to support the people who make our city strong. My priorities are controlling the budget and preventing corruption, ensuring that our city's government works for all of us.
    • I’m asking for your support on November 5, 2024.**
Vote for Steven Winters, CSM(R), for Mayor, the first option on the ballot. Together, we can build a better city and truly make El Paso strong with real responsibility and progress. Counting on you, for us!"

Key Messages

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

I’m a working class citizen who will work for the people. I’m not about Big Business getting tax breaks. I want the working class citizens to receive the tax breaks. For far too long, we the people of El Paso have been paying the tax burden in our city. Property taxes are at its highest levels with no end in site. Why is El Paso the highest property tax city in the state of Texas. I would like to see on day one. Property tax burden removed from citizens who are 70 ages old and older. They should not have to pay property tax for the rest of their natural life. Then we need to sit down and look at a realistic, property tax mandate. We also need to re-look concessions that are current used for developers and utilities

Next, we need to put together a real plan and committed budget for our streets and infrastructure in and out side of the city of El paso. For far too long, our streets have been neglected. We’ve been using substandard repairing materials which just caused us to spend double or triple the cost because we have to re-repair things that have already been repaired. Street in the shape they currently are, cause loss wages for many El Paso citizens. If you are rich, you don’t understand this. People work paycheck to paycheck each month. Having to pay for vehicle repairs that are not in the budget. This causes hardship for the average citizen. The time is now, to dedicate a true budget for street repair

Next is to raise the minimum wage in El Paso. People deserve to have decent wages to be able to live comfortable without having to put off different bills because they don’t make a decent wage. We must offer better wages, and better jobs. Bringing in companies that need our skilled labors is a way to increase wages in El, paso and offset property tax by using commercial businesses to pay the taxpayer burden. We must focus the next four years on the citizens of El paso and not the billionaires Of El Paso. Yes I’m saying that, not scared of what might be placed against me. I’m about the working class citizen first! We need to control the crazy spending inside of city government. Figure out what truly needs to be spent. (eliminating waste)

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of El Paso 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?

Report a story for this election

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Candidate survey

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About the city

See also: El Paso, Texas

El Paso is a city located in El Paso County, Texas. As of 2020, its population was 678,815.

City government

See also: Council-manager government

The city of El Paso uses a council-manager system. 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.[3]

Demographics

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

Demographic Data for El Paso, Texas
El Paso Texas
Population 678,815 29,145,505
Land area (sq mi) 258 261,267
Race and ethnicity**
White 69.6% 69.2%
Black/African American 3.4% 12.1%
Asian 1.4% 4.9%
Native American 0.5% 0.5%
Pacific Islander 0.2% 0.1%
Other (single race) 12.5% 6.2%
Multiple 12.3% 7%
Hispanic/Latino 81.5% 39.4%
Education
High school graduation rate 80.6% 84.4%
College graduation rate 25.9% 30.7%
Income
Median household income $48,866 $63,826
Persons below poverty level 18.8% 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

El Paso, 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. ↑ City of El Paso, "Government," accessed September 5, 2014
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