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Two candidates will be on the ballot for the San Marcos Mayor seat in the upcoming Nov. 3 election.
A closer look
Candidates Amanda Rodriguez and Ryan Thomason will be vying for the position. Rodriguez is currently serving as the San Marcos Place 6 council member. Candidates Lisa Prewitt, Bill Miller and Juan Miguel Arredondo will run to fill her seat.
Current Mayor Jane Hughson will appear on the ballot for the Place 3 council member seat, alongside incumbent Alyssa Garza.
Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.
What else?
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.
For more information on voting and polling locations, visit your county's website or www.votetexas.gov. For more election coverage, visit www.communityimpact.com.
City Council Member, Former State Legislative Director
Why are you running for this position?
I’m running for Mayor because our community deserves a greater voice. I’ll fight for affordability, demand accountability and transparency, and work alongside residents to build a community we can be proud of for generations. This is my commitment to returning power to the community that has empowered me.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities are affordability and infrastructure. I’ll pursue creative, practical solutions to ease financial pressures while investing in infrastructure that supports responsible growth. Both are essential to protecting our quality of life, strengthening our community, and ensuring it remains a place where people can thrive for generations.
How will you balance the community’s response to data centers and the potential economic benefits following the city’s prohibition of that development?
Economic development must be approached strategically and holistically. As a leader in the fight to prohibit data centers, I believe financial benefits alone cannot determine what development we approve. We must weigh the full costs and benefits to our community. That approach builds trust and strengthens support for responsible development.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for San Marcos in the next 5 years?
The greatest challenge facing San Marcos is managing growth. With our population increasing and critical infrastructure projects still on hold, we must prioritize these investments now. We cannot afford to react after the fact. We must be proactive and ensure quality of life remains the priority for our people.
Former Planning and Zoning Commissioner and Two term councilmember
Why are you running for this position?
I bring experience, preparation, and strong regional relationships to the mayor’s office. I served on Planning and Zoning and two terms on City Council. Since then, I’ve strengthened regional connections and prepared for the mayor’s broader responsibilities, including transportation, water, economic development, and effective leadership for San Marcos.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priority is protecting residents’ health, safety, and welfare by focusing on local<br>government’s core responsibilities. We should prioritize safe roads, effective public safety,<br>clean water, reliable wastewater service, and dependable utilities—addressing issues within our authority rather than pursuing matters beyond our control.
How will you balance the community’s response to data centers and the potential<br>economic benefits following the city’s prohibition of that development?
I respect residents’ concerns about data centers, including water, electricity, transparency,<br>infrastructure, and quality of life. I am not currently a supporter, but recognize the industry is evolving. Any future consideration should rely on facts, meaningful community input, and<br>assurances that San Marcos’s long-term needs come first.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for San Marcos in the next 5 years?
San Marcos’s greatest challenge is managing rapid growth without allowing infrastructure and<br>public services to fall behind. We must address the infrastructure backlog, plan responsibly for<br>future development, and ensure roads, traffic signals, public safety staffing, and budgets keep<br>pace. Growth should strengthen—not diminish—the quality of life for residents.
