Denton to Hold Special Election for District 1 Seat
Four candidates are vying for the open city council position in a November 3 special election.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in City Hall
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Denton will conduct a special election on November 3 to fill the District 1 city council seat left vacant by Jordan Villarreal's resignation in August. Four candidates are competing to serve the remainder of the term, which concludes in May.
Why it matters
The special election will determine representation for residents of Southeast Denton, the Texas Woman's University campus, and downtown Denton east of Locust Street. The winner must run again in 2027 to continue serving in the role.
The race features four candidates seeking the seat formerly held by Jordan Villarreal. The outcome will be decided on November 3, with early voting opening on October 19.
The players
Jordan Villarreal
The former council member resigned from the District 1 seat in August 2026, creating the vacancy currently being contested.
Sunny Busby
She is one of the four candidates running for the vacant city council position.
Kris Cox
He is a candidate who previously received 15.4% of the vote in the May election for the seat.
Ward Franz
He is one of the four candidates running for the vacant city council position.
Michael Herron
He is a candidate who previously received 29.1% of the vote in the May election for the seat.
The details
Sunny Busby, Kris Cox, Ward Franz, and Michael Herron are the four candidates vying for the position representing District 1. The winner will finish a term ending in May, requiring a subsequent campaign in 2027 to remain on the council.
Timeline
August 2026: Jordan Villarreal resigned from the District 1 seat.
Oct. 17, 2026: The League of Women Voters of Denton hosts a candidate forum at 1 p.m. at Emily Fowler Central Library.
Oct. 19, 2026: Early voting begins for the special election.
Oct. 29, 2026: Lil' D TV hosts a livestream candidate event at 6 p.m.
Nov. 3, 2026: Special election day for the District 1 seat.
Political Context
Opposition often arises regarding the costs associated with holding special elections for short-term vacancies compared to alternative appointment processes. Critics may argue that these contests, while democratic, increase taxpayer burdens for terms lasting only a few months.
Residents of District 1 must prepare for the upcoming vote by checking their registration status and reviewing candidate platforms during the scheduled forums. Voters in Southeast Denton, the university area, and downtown east of Locust Street will determine the new council member.
The takeaway
Voters should participate in the candidate forums on October 17 or October 29 to better understand the platforms of the four individuals seeking office. The results of this election will set the political direction for District 1 until the next regular election cycle begins.
Further reading
For more on local governance and upcoming ballot measures, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KERA.
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