Saul Tapia Vega elected Lafayette mayor; Tim Barnes chosen mayor pro tem

Saul Tapia Vega was elected mayor of Lafayette on Dec. 2 after the newly seated council cast written ballots, the city clerk announced. Tapia Vega received four votes to Tim Barnes’s two and immediately took the dais to preside over the remainder of the meeting.

The council held the election under the city charter’s procedure that requires a written ballot and a majority of members in office to elect a mayor. Councilors made brief nomination remarks before the clerk distributed ballots; after tallying, the clerk reported Tapia Vega had four votes and was declared elected. Tapia Vega later told the council he would "work alongside every single one of you and make sure that we're building a better Lafayette," emphasizing partnership and an action-oriented approach.

The council then elected Tim Barnes mayor pro tem by written ballot; Barnes received four votes to Crystal Gallegos’s two. Councilors praised both leaders’ experience and community engagement during nomination statements.

The new leadership follows the swearing-in of incoming councilors earlier in the meeting. The city attorney reminded the council that a majority of the six members in office (four votes) is required to elect both mayor and mayor pro tem. Councilors invited the public and staff to help implement priorities the new leadership outlined.

What happens next: With leadership chosen, the council will address agenda items and, per the city attorney, will declare the existing mayoral vacancy by resolution at the Dec. 16 meeting to begin the 45-day appointment window for the remaining seat.