Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Elections topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Port Arthur council certifies runoff results, appoints Harold Doucet mayor pro tem
Summary
At a brief May 14 meeting, the Port Arthur City Council approved an ordinance canvassing its general election returns for the June 7 runoff, set early-voting hours, and adopted a resolution naming Councilmember Harold Doucet mayor pro tem through May 2026.
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — The Port Arthur City Council on Wednesday certified the results of its May general election and approved a resolution appointing Councilmember Harold Doucet as mayor pro tem, the council said at a meeting in City Hall’s council chambers.
The council accepted an ordinance (PO no. 7333) canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the general election that includes a scheduled runoff on June 7, 2025. The council also approved Resolution PR 24294, which designates the District 4 councilmember to serve as mayor pro tem during the mayor’s absence or disability and states that the appointee will serve through May 2026.
The canvass confirms the city’s election schedule and early-voting hours. The city secretary read the early-voting schedule into the record: Saturday, May 31, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, June 1, noon to 5 p.m.; Monday, June 2, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, June 3, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Election Day, Saturday, June 7, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. City staff also said they have posted an election page and calendar on the city website to make information accessible to voters.
Council members discussed whether to alter local election ordinances but said they would watch the current Texas legislative session before making local changes. The city attorney told the council that a measure affecting municipal election timing "is moving faster" in the Legislature and said officials expect it may pass, emphasizing the need to monitor developments before altering local rules.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance (PO no. 7333), canvass of general election returns and declaration of a June 7, 2025 runoff — approved by council voice vote; individual roll-call tallies were not provided. Resolution PR 24294, appointment of Councilmember Harold Doucet as mayor pro tem until May 2026 — moved by Councilwoman Hamilton Everfield and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Beckham; approved by voice vote.
Following the vote, Doucet was sworn in and delivered brief remarks. The council adjourned after roughly 20 minutes of business.
