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Meet the four candidates in the running to become Denton’s next mayor.
What’s happening?
Denton's election ordinance prevents Mayor Gerard Hudspeth from running for another term as mayor.
Hudspeth is serving his third term as mayor, and city regulations forbid council members and the mayor from serving for more than three consecutive terms in the same elected position. All council members and the mayor serve two-year terms.
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.
Candidates are listed in the order determined by the ballot order drawing Feb. 19, according to the city’s website.
Also of note
Election day is May 2, with early voting starting April 20 and running through April 28. The last day to register to vote is April 2.
Client navigator and case worker for a nonprofit serving UNT and TWU
Why are you running for office?
Denton deserves leadership that listens and responds with urgency. I am running to advocate for our homeless and immigrant communities while strengthening transparency and community engagement. I want residents to feel heard, respected and valued in the decisions that shape our city.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
Affordability (and livability) across housing and basic living costs is a major challenge. Denton is also facing a growing homelessness crisis and a disconnect between residents and local government. Many people want to participate in civic life but find city processes inaccessible or difficult to navigate.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I will strengthen partnerships that provide counseling, career coaching and wraparound services. I support exploring cost-effective options such as telehealth access for vulnerable residents. I also want structured community liaison pathways so residents can submit concerns and ideas to boards and council more directly.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My priorities are improving affordability, expanding accessible support services and increasing civic participation. I want to remove barriers that prevent residents from engaging with the council and ensure underserved communities are meaningfully included in policy discussions and city decision making.
Small business owner, communication coach and professor, City Charter Review Committee Interfaith Ministries board member
Why are you running for office?
Denton deserves a citizen-led, accountable council that listens more than it talks. I’ll focus on neighborhood concerns and intentional growth to keep Denton "Denton." I’m committed to making our city affordable for all. Together, let’s ensure our government truly reflects the heart and heritage of our community.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
Denton must strike a balance between growth, infrastructure and affordability. We must prioritize intentional planning that serves long-term residents, not just outside investors. By focusing on maintenance over sprawl and truly listening to neighborhood concerns, we can protect our unique identity and ensure Denton remains affordable for every family.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Infrastructure first: prioritize essential services before approving new rooftops. Neighborhood power: formalize resident input in all major planning decisions. Smart affordability: incentivize "missing middle" housing for local families. Local-first economy: champion small and medium-sized local businesses through intentional economic development.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Intentional growth that preserves Denton’s spirit; prioritizing resident input, incentivizing "missing middle" housing and a local-first economy that champions our small businesses. I will always put the needs of our neighbors who live here now before folks yet to arrive.
Denton mayor (2014-20), served as council member (District 4, 2007-13), at-large Place 6 (2022-24)
Why are you running for office?
I believe the city is at a critical moment and requires experienced leadership to address mounting challenges. I will restore effective council governance by prioritizing essential services, infrastructure, affordable housing, economic mobility and fiscal responsibility. I have the experience and track record to accomplish these goals.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
Denton is experiencing higher property taxes, rising utility costs and growing debt with homeowners bearing much of the burden. Capital projects frequently exceed budgets and face delays. We need to review negotiation strategies and refocus council culture on delivering core services.
How do you plan to address the issues?
We must improve the budget process, review wholesale electricity costs and find efficiencies in construction projects. As mayor, I will lead cultural change with a proven record of problem solving, stakeholder engagement and effective implementation.
What would your top priorities be?
Top priority is to return council to a culture of effective, efficient governance. Stabilize the budget. Increase transparency with fewer closed sessions regarding energy costs. Prioritize bond funded projects to better manage our debt. Create policies to begin using the affordable housing bond funds approved by the voters.
Computational biologist, Mayor Pro Tem, Development Code Review Committee, Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board
Why are you running for office?
Denton is at a crossroads. After five years serving on City Council, I have experience in what needs fixing and putting innovative solutions in place. I’m running for mayor to keep Denton affordable, protect our environment, strengthen infrastructure and champion the creativity and innovation that make our city special.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
Denton’s biggest challenges are keeping our city affordable, maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure, supporting a creative economy and preparing for rapid technological change. We must manage growth responsibly while protecting neighborhoods, strengthening public services and ensuring Denton remains a place where families, students and workers can thrive with local careers.
How do you plan to address these issues?
My approach focuses on practical solutions: fair, tiered utility rates and diverse and neighborhood-compatible housing to protect affordability; strategic infrastructure investment and resilient energy systems; partnerships that strengthen Denton’s arts and music economy; and supporting innovation through research and education institutions, particularly UNT, TWU, NCTC and LaGrone.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priorities are keeping Denton affordable for working families, investing in reliable infrastructure like streets and utilities, protecting and expanding parks and natural spaces and strengthening Denton’s culture of creativity and innovation. I will focus on transparent leadership, data-driven decisions and building partnerships that move our city forward.
