Tony Dale, Cedar Park mayor pro tem, successfully completed his first campaign for state office Nov. 6, receiving 53.05 percent of the vote to become the first elected District 136 representative.

Dale, running as a Republican, defeated Democrat Matt Stillwell, who garnered 40.72 percent, and Libertarian Matt Whittington, who earned 6.23 percent, according to unofficial final voting results.

During a post-election party at Wingate Conference Center in Round Rock where the Williamson County Republican Party held its post-election watch party, Dale declared victory at approximately 10:43 p.m. with 6 of 31 precincts reporting. He told supporters that he was humbled by the win and looks forward to taking office Jan. 1.

Dale reminded those in attendance about the buckeye fence surrounding the Capitol building and how he intends to put his experience as an Ohio State University Buckeye alum to work.

"I'm your new buckeye fence," he said during his victory speech. "Except I'm going to use that fence to keep government in."

Dale said he plans to step down as councilman for Place 5 some time in November to prepare for the new post. The remaining Cedar Park City Council members will be responsible for appointing someone to the seat by majority vote up to 30 days after it is vacated, according to city charter. The seat will then be filled permanently during the next regular city election in May.

Cedar Park Mayor Matt Powell, a seven-year co-councilman and personal friend of Dale, also congratulated Dale, said he will be missed on the council and should be difficult to replace.

"That said, we have two opportunities here," Powell said. "One, we'll now have an amazing friend in the state legislature and, two, we'll have a great opportunity to find and appoint the next great council member."

Dale will continue representing Cedar Park as well as several other areas, including Leander, Brushy Creek and Northwest Austin. Dale said he familiarized himself with the region while on the campaign trail.

"It's been a great honor to serve in Cedar Park," he said, "but it'll be an even greater honor to serve at the state level."