Ennis City Commission approves canvass, declares David Espinal mayor pro tem and administers oath

The Ennis City Commission voted to approve the canvass of a special runoff election held March 14, 2026, and declared David Espinal elected mayor pro tem, the commission said at its meeting. The certified results read by the chair showed David Espinal with 499 votes (59.98%) and Chad Wester with 333 votes (40.20%).

Commissioner Fockenbach moved to approve Item B-1, "I move we approve item b 1," and, as announced by the chair, Commissioner Watson seconded. The chair called for a voice vote; members answered "Aye," and the chair stated, "The ayes have it and the motion carries." The motion approved the canvass of the runoff results. The transcript records the chair saying the Ellis County elections administrator had certified the official results.

Under Item B-2 the chair presented the certificate of election and administered the oath of office to the mayor pro tem-elect, identified in the meeting as David Espinal. The oath was recited and the chair congratulated the newly sworn mayor pro tem. The chair then adjourned the meeting at 06:10.

Why it matters: The mayor pro tem serves in the mayor's absence and can preside over commission business; the term for the position in this canvass was reported as expiring in May 2026. The commission's formal approval of the canvass is the procedural step that finalizes the special runoff results and enables the certificate and oath to be issued.

What the record shows: The transcript records the certified vote totals and the commission's voice vote to approve the canvass; it does not include a roll-call tally or a separate recorded roll-call vote. The motion to approve the canvass and the presentation of the certificate and oath are reflected in the official minutes as procedural actions taken at the meeting.