South Padre Island council certifies Aaron Hartwell in Council Place 2 runoff

Mayor Pro Tem Langston presided over a short City of South Padre Island meeting and led the council in adopting Resolution No. 2025-25 to canvass the returns of the Dec. 13, 2025 runoff election, declaring Aaron Hartwell elected to Council Place 2.

The resolution, read aloud by Mayor Pro Tem Langston, reported 747 valid votes in the runoff: Aaron Hartwell received 451 votes (60.37%) and Carrie Swartz received 296 votes (39.63%). Langston then asked for a motion to approve the resolution; a motion and a second were made and the council approved the measure by members raising their hands.

City Secretary Nikki told the meeting that “a quorum for canvassing is different than our normal quorum” and explained that under state law two members of the governmental body can constitute a canvassing quorum. Nikki said three members attended today’s session to ensure compliance with open meetings requirements and to complete the canvass before the holiday week.

Langston recited that written notice of the meeting had been posted on the municipal complex bulletin board and the city's website (www.myspi.org) at 4601 Padre Boulevard in accordance with the Texas Election Code. After the council approved the resolution, Langston congratulated Hartwell and adjourned the meeting.

No roll-call vote tally by individual members appears in the transcript; the approval was recorded by voice/hand raise. The resolution declares Aaron Hartwell duly elected subject to taking the required oath and filing any sworn statements required by Texas law.