Denton City Council accepts election results, orders June 13 runoffs and swears in three members

The Denton City Council voted 7–0 on May 12 to adopt an ordinance canvassing the May 2 municipal and special elections, declaring winners where candidates received a majority and ordering runoff elections for mayor and Place 5 on Saturday, June 13.

City Secretary Ingrid Rick presented the official returns to the council and recommended the draft ordinance. Rick told the council that Joel Jester was declared elected to Place 6, Jordan E. Villarreal received 55.39% in District 1 and Nick Stevens received 82.81% in District 2, while no candidate achieved a majority in Place 5 or the mayor’s race, triggering runoffs between the top two finishers in each contest. Rick said staff recommended seven polling locations with the highest turnout from the May election and estimated the total cost of the runoff, depending on the final locations, between $90,000 and $120,000.

A council member moved to approve the staff recommendation and the motion was seconded; the measure passed unanimously. Mayor Gerard Hudspeth announced the ordinance’s adoption and the date for the ordered runoffs. The council did not record individual roll-call votes beyond the 7–0 tally shown on the meeting screen.

After the canvass was approved, the council moved to Item 3b to issue certificates of election and administer oaths of office. Jordan E. Villarreal was sworn in as council member for District 1; Villarreal thanked supporters and said the new council should “focus on street and sidewalk repair, smart growth that takes neighborhoods into consideration, taking care of the public safety personnel, pushing for economic development and protecting our environment.”

Nick Stevens was sworn in as council member for District 2 and described faith and service as motivators for his work, saying, "It is my job to represent the will of the community," and pledged to work in good faith with colleagues. Jill Elizabeth Jester took her oaths for Place 6, thanked family, staff and supporters and noted it was City Secretary Ingrid Rick’s last day with the city; council members praised Rick’s service.

The meeting also included ceremonial proclamations honoring outgoing council members. Mayor Hudspeth read proclamations recognizing Dr. Brian Beck for his service in District 2 (05/01/2021–05/12/2026) and Vicky Byrd for her service in District 1 (05/01/2021–05/12/2026); both received applause and brief remarks of thanks. The council concluded by reminding attendees of a reception down the hall and adjourning formal business shortly before the scheduled 1:55 p.m. end time.

Next steps: the city will publish the final list of participating polling sites and early voting locations for the June 13 runoff as they are confirmed by Denton County Elections Administration.