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Posted 11:15 p.m. May 2
The unofficial results are in for Fulshear's election for all City Council seats following a vote in September to redistrict.
On the ballot
Election night results show Abhi Utturkar has claimed the Fulshear City Council District 2 race with 124 votes, followed by Haim Schwartz with 71 votes.
Meanwhile, Omar Pena will take the City Council District 3 race with 109 votes over Dan Graham with 82 votes.
Additionally, Randy Connor will serve as the City Council District 5 representative with 185 votes, followed by E. Brown Otu with 161 votes.
Results remain unofficial until canvassed at a later date.
What else?
Additionally, the results show voters favored the city's sales tax reallocation proposition to increase the city’s general fund sales tax from 1% to 1.25% while reducing the city’s Economic Development Corp. A-Board sales tax from 0.5% to 0.25%.
Stay tuned
For more information on election day coverage, visit Community Impact's voter guide. This article will be updated with candidate responses as able.
Posted 8:25 p.m. May 2
Early voting totals from the May 2 election are in for Fulshear City Council races and the city’s sales tax reallocation proposition.
What you need to know
All Fulshear City Council places, including the mayor’s seat, were up for election after the City Council approved a new district map in September, Community Impact reported. However, only three City Council races are contested.
The call for redistricting came after a study conducted by law firm Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP showed the city has nearly doubled its population since the 2020 census.
The study showed the city's current districts had a standard deviation between the largest and smallest district at 153.22%—significantly above the court-interpreted requirement of 10%, attorney Sydney Falk said
On the ballot
Early voting totals from Fort Bend County show Abhi Utturkar is leading the Fulshear City Council District 2 race with 81 votes, followed by Haim Schwartz with 31 votes.
Meanwhile, Omar Pena and Dan Graham are tied for the City Council District 3 position with 35 votes each, data shows.
Additionally, Randy Connor has taken the lead in the City Council District 5 race with 130 votes, followed by E. Brown Otu with 107 votes.
Uncontested races include incumbent Don McCoy for mayor, incumbent Camron K. Miller for At-Large Position 1, Kimberly N. Bow for At-Large Position 2, incumbent Sarah B. Johnson for District 1 and incumbent Richard Russell for District 4.
The At-Large District 2 position was previously held by Jason Knape, who is not seeking re-election.
What else?
Early voting results show that residents favor the city’s sales tax reallocation proposition to increase the city’s general fund sales tax from 1% to 1.25% while reducing the city’s Economic Development Corp. A-Board sales tax from 0.5% to 0.25%.
The proposition comes after a police pay subcommittee determined Fulshear’s wages were around the 55th percentile in pay compared to surrounding departments.
If approved, the reallocated sales tax would be available for any “lawful municipal purpose,” including police services, economic development or other City Council priorities, per the city’s website.
About the candidates
Schwartz, a national sales director, said in a questionnaire with Community Impact that his top priority is safety and ensuring the police department is well supported. Utturkar, a professional engineer, said in the questionnaire that his top priority is to diversify the tax base to help fund maintaining public safety, reduce tax burdens and keep utility rates low.
Meanwhile, Pena, a chemical engineer and business owner, said in the questionnaire that his top priority is awareness, representation and clarity in City Hall. Graham, a former police officer and organic recycling sales leader, said in the questionnaire that his top priority is public safety, ensuring law enforcement and emergency services keep pace with the city's growing population.
Additionally, Connor, a business professional, said in the questionnaire that his top priority is managing responsible growth while listening to residents and local businesses. Otu, a project manager and small business owner, said in the questionnaire that his top priority is ensuring Fulshear officials plan wisely as the city changes.
What’s next?
For more information on election day coverage, visit Community Impact's voter guide. Unofficial election results will be updated on the website as results come in. All results are unofficial until canvassed.
