On March 22, the Cedar Park City Council called a special election for the Place 1 seat previously held by Matt Powell, who resigned to run for mayor.

Shortly after 8 a.m. March 23, Stephen Thomas filed to fill the unexpired term. He served as Place 5 councilma from 2005–09 before running for state representative in District 20. He chairs the Cedar Park Planning and Zoning Commission and serves on the Board of Adjustments.

Thomas said if elected to council, he hopes to continue work on regional planning issues, economic development and the city's master plan.

"I will work to continue our quality of life, provide a safe community and strive to improve the services provided by the city," Thomas stated in a news release. "We must continue to develop our economic initiatives, further our involvement in regional planning and remain fiscally conservative."

Thomas is the first candidate to file for the Place 1 unexpired term. He said if opposed, he plans to campaign.

"I'm prepared. I've already been talking to the voters, and I'm prepared to run a full campaign," he said. "We've got draft mailers, draft push cards and templates for signs set up. If I have someone file against me, I'm prepared to campaign."

Filing for Place 1 closes April 11.