Several candidates are vying to succeed council member Leslie Pool, who will leave City Hall next year after three terms in office. She won the first-ever District 7 race in 2014 followed by re-election wins in 2016 and 2020.
The open District 7 seat initially drew seven council hopefuls; however, Daniel ''Dan'' Dominguez's bid for a place on the Nov. 5 election ballot was rejected in September leaving six contenders in the race.
Those now include civil rights attorney Gary Bledsoe, EMT and U.S. Coast Guard reservist Pierre Nguyễn, engineer Todd Shaw, planner Edwin Bautista, civil rights attorney Mike Siegel and candidate Adam Powell.
If no candidate earns a majority of the local vote in November, a runoff election between the two top finishers will take place Dec. 14.
Learn more about the candidates ahead of the Nov. 5 election. Eligible Austin residents have until Oct. 7 to register to vote, and early voting starts Oct. 21 and ends Nov. 1.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Gary Bledsoe
Experience:
I am a civil rights lawyer who has dedicated his life to fighting for fairness.
Occupation:
Civil rights attorney
Candidate Website:
https://www.bledsoeforaustin.com
Contact Information:
N/A
Why are you running for this office, and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?
I am running for City Council to ensure transparency, promote public engagement, and enact balanced policies that serve the common good. My experience in navigating differing interests will help unite the community, promote affordable housing, protect Austin’s environment, and avoid divisions while pushing for necessary, responsible change in our city.
Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?
We need to scrutinize the city’s budget and cut unnecessary costs, like unfilled jobs that take up millions of dollars that could be allocated elsewhere. We also need to create a plan that would build homes that are affordable for people making less than 80% of MFI.
What are your mobility goals, both citywide and in your district? Are there any upgrades you’d seek for your constituents?
We need to take a varied approach. Adding bike lanes, where appropriate, designing sidewalks to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists, as well as looking into systems other cities utilize (such as the On Demand approach to transit which would run similar to ride sharing apps) must all be considered.
What approach should City Council be taking in relation to public safety and the police department?
We need to implement programs to build trust in the individual police who patrol a community and improve department culture. This must include training to ensure the officers are culturally competent. A restructuring of the department to bring important functions under a civilian chain of command should also be evaluated.
Pierre Nguyen
Experience:
Extensive background in public safety, disaster response/recovery, community/public health, workforce development, national service
Occupation:
EMT, Coast Guard reservist, Wilderness First Aid/CPR instructor, prior firefighter/EMT
Candidate Website:
https://www.nguyenforcitycouncil.com
Contact Information:
512-298-3036
Why are you running for this office, and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?
I am running for office to ensure that Austin remains a city where everyone can thrive, not just survive. The central issue I’m hoping to address is the balance between responsible growth and environmental sustainability, along with responsible spending. My background in public safety and emergency management has shown me ...
Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?
Affordability isn’t just about housing—it’s about the overall cost of living, which includes utilities, transportation, and even the cost of flood insurance due to poor infrastructure planning. Placing the burden of rising costs on already marginalized communities is unacceptable, especially when it comes to issues like flood risk. By neglecting ...
What are your mobility goals, both citywide and in your district? Are there any upgrades you’d seek for your constituents?
My mobility goals include expanding public transit options, improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, and reducing traffic congestion through smart city planning. For my district, I will focus on increasing access to reliable and frequent public transit, particularly in underserved areas. I also support investments in safe bike lanes and pedestrian ...
What approach should City Council be taking in relation to public safety and the police department?
City Council should take a balanced approach to public safety that includes reforming the police department while also investing in community-based solutions. I support efforts to increase accountability and transparency within the police department, including the use of body cameras and independent oversight. Additionally, I advocate for reallocating resources to ...
Todd Shaw
Experience:
Environmental engineer in the energy industry for 30 years, chaired the Planning Commission, consensus builder
Occupation:
Professional engineer and project manager, currently director of project management services
Candidate Website:
https://www.toddshawforaustin.org
Contact Information:
512-567-3536
Why are you running for this office, and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?
I am running to unite Austinites in taking on the challenges that have divided us based on my ability to build consensus in my 30-year public service career and chair of the Planning Commission. I want to prioritize housing affordability, transportation and mobility improvements, and climate change preparedness.
Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?
I want to reduce housing costs by increasing housing and the variety of housing types so that we have a range to meet all income levels. I would lower utility bills by increasing energy and water conservation subsidies and pursue federal funding, especially for those with lower income levels.
What are your mobility goals, both citywide and in your district? Are there any upgrades you’d seek for your constituents?
My goals are to reduce the number of people who drive a vehicle alone to work and, per Vision Zero, to reduce fatalities and injuries. For District 7, I will champion the Project Connect Priority Extension to the Crestview Station and increase funding to make District 7 streets safer.
What approach should City Council be taking in relation to public safety and the police department?
My approach is to build trust with the new police chief and the Austin Police Association and together develop a path forward to create the best police force in the country that is fully staffed, meets Austin’s expectations for transparency, and is well-trained in and practicing community-oriented policing.
Edwin Bautista
Experience:
Certified urban planner with extensive experience in affordable housing, public policy advocacy and community development.
Occupation:
Planner with GrantWorks Inc.
Candidate Website:
https://www.edwinfordistrict7.com
Contact Information:
940-337-5800
Why are you running for this office, and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?
I’m running to bring bold leadership to City Council and modernize our local government. The central issue is governance reform—transitioning to a Strong-Mayor system, restructuring City Council districts for better representation and increasing transparency and accountability to ensure City Hall serves all Austinites, not just a privileged few.
Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?
I support increasing housing supply through innovative zoning reforms, crafting effective affordable housing incentives and continuing to streamline development processes. I’d also advocate for stronger anti-displacement measures to protect vulnerable communities, push for property tax relief and ensure efficient management of city services to prevent unnecessary cost increases for Austinites.
What are your mobility goals, both citywide and in your district? Are there any upgrades you’d seek for your constituents?
Mobility goals include expanding public transit, increasing bike/pedestrian infrastructure and supporting Project Connect. For D7, I’ll push for safer, more connected multi-modal options and improved transit access, particularly in underserved areas. I’ll advocate for a comprehensive land development code rewrite that promotes equitable transit-oriented growth and reduces car dependency.
What approach should City Council be taking in relation to public safety and the police department?
I believe in a balanced approach to public safety that includes investing in mental health services and community programs alongside police reform. Council needs to focus on improving transparency, accountability and training within APD while also addressing root causes of crime like poverty and lack of access to resources.
Mike Siegel
Experience:
25 years in public education and law, including four years as an Austin city attorney
Occupation:
Civil rights attorney
Candidate Website:
https://www.siegelforaustin.org
Contact Information:
512-765-6558
Why are you running for this office, and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?
I’m running for City Council because the city plays an essential role in caring for the people of this community. Climate action is a top priority for me — to reduce emissions, promote renewable energy, develop good climate jobs, and do our part to protect people and the planet.
Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?
My priority is to maintain essential city services despite the Texas Legislature sabotaging our budget through spending caps and regressive policies. To promote affordability, we can reduce transportation costs through public transit investments, reduce utility bills by investing in conservation, and reduce housing costs by increasing supply and subsidized housing.
What are your mobility goals, both citywide and in your district? Are there any upgrades you’d seek for your constituents?
We must protect Project Connect, our city’s essential investment in public transit. We must continue to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. As District 7 transitions from suburban sprawl to increased density, we must reform major arteries like Burnet and Lamar to make them more hospitable to foot traffic and cyclists.
What approach should City Council be taking in relation to public safety and the police department?
Austin voters want: (1) police to come when we call, (2) police that respect civil rights, and (3) city investments in a broader definition of public safety, including shelter, health care, housing, and other support. We must enforce the voter-approved Police Oversight Act and work towards transparency, accountability, and oversight.
Adam Powell
Experience:
Union organizing, teacher recruiting, state government operations, Black studies co-founder, neighborhood leadership, and nonprofit leadership
Occupation:
N/A - campaigning full-time
Candidate Website:
https://www.adamforaustin.com
Contact Information:
N/A
Why are you running for this office, and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?
I was born in Austin, and I’m running to work towards my hometown’s brightest future. I’m focused on fixing Austin Energy, given the power outages and long disruptions to our daily lives in recent years. I’ve shared multiple short and long term policy proposals to do this on my website.
Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?
We need to address our housing crisis to make Austin more affordable. This is personal: I was raised in Leander because my educator parents couldn’t afford to live within Austin. I support more subsidized affordable housing, increasing assistance to homeowners, and building housing at a rate that matches our growth.
What are your mobility goals, both citywide and in your district? Are there any upgrades you’d seek for your constituents?
Many areas of District 7 aren’t safe to navigate outside of a car. We urgently need to improve our sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transit options. I’m also committed to a future of rail throughout District 7, especially through connecting the red line to the planned Project Connect lines.
What approach should the City Council be taking in relation to public safety and the police department?
City Council needs to rebuild community trust on public safety. It’s essential that we have fast 911 response times so Austinites are taken care of in times of emergency. We also need a contract with APD that respects the 80% of voters who supported the Austin Police Oversight Act.
