Early Voting Begins: Key Races In Pasadena And South Houston

PASADENA, TX — Early voting is underway and the communities in South Houston and Pasadena will have some big choices to make when they cast their ballots. The races for city council in both cities are almost all contested, with the exception of the District D race in Pasadena that has Councilman Sammy Casados running unopposed.

Other races for Pasadena council seats are being challenged. One of the most interesting might be the District A race that has incumbent Felipe Villarreal facing off against former Pasadena Councilman Ornaldo Ybarra, who became a strong voice for Latino voters during his three terms on the city council.

In District B where Steve Halvorson and Blanca Sanchez hope to unseat incumbent Bruce Leamon, who is seeking a third term and who defeated Halvorson by a narrow margin in 2017.

District C incumbent Don Harrison is challenged by Jaime Blanco, while in District E Councilman Cody Ray Wheeler is seeking a fourth term against challenger Joseph Thomas.

In other council races, District F incumbent Phil Cayten, who is challenged by Sam Tijerina, while the District G race pits incumbent Cary Bass against Mary A. Vargas.

In District H incumbent Thomas Schoenbein is seeking his second term and is challenged by Lori Laird.

In South Houston, Mayor Joe Soto, who served on the city council since 2005, is challenged by Irene Tamayo, who currently serves on the council in the Position 5 seat.
In the Position 1 race, Incumbent Mary Castillo faces Eddie Torres, while in Position 2 incumbent Willie Rios is challenged by Rocio Rubio.

Incumbent Cynthia Piña also faces a challenge for her Position 3 seat, while two new faces hope to win in the Position 4 race. In the Position 5 race, Louis Martinez faces Silvia Gonzalez to replace Tamayo.

There are also a number contested elections in Pasadena ISD and Goose Creek ISD. You can see the sample ballot here before you vote.

Early voting continues through April 30. Polls will be open April 22 - April 27 from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., April 28 from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., and April 29 - April 30 from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. The general election will take place May 4 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Click here to find your polling location for early voting and the general election.

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