Rodriguez and Thomason to Vie for San Marcos Mayor
Candidates Amanda Rodriguez and Ryan Thomason face off in the upcoming San Marcos mayoral election.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
In your opinion, should the San Marcos mayor prioritize social program funding over first responder staffing?
Amanda Rodriguez and Ryan Thomason are running for Mayor of San Marcos, with the election scheduled for November 3, 2026. The candidates seek to lead a city of approximately 90,000 residents.
Why it matters
The election will determine who oversees municipal priorities for San Marcos, including city growth management, public safety, and the distribution of nonprofit funding.
The city has $750,000 available for nonprofit organizations, representing an increase of $200,000 compared to the previously allocated $550,000.
The players
Amanda Rodriguez
She is a candidate running for the position of Mayor of San Marcos.
Ryan Thomason
He is a candidate for Mayor who previously served as a member of the San Marcos city council for six years.
Jane Hughson
She is the current Mayor of San Marcos.
The details
The San Marcos City Council currently consists of the mayor and six council members. Candidate Ryan Thomason previously served on the city council for six years before leaving in 2015.
Timeline
Ryan Thomason left the city council in 2015.
A candidate Q&A is scheduled for publication on October 15, 2026.
The mayoral election takes place on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of current municipal policies may question the allocation of the $750,000 nonprofit budget among other civic spending priorities. These critics often advocate for different approaches to growth management and public safety than those supported by the current council.
Residents will see changes in how the city council manages the $750,000 nonprofit fund and local development decisions. The outcome of the election will directly influence how municipal tax dollars are allocated across the community.
The takeaway
Voters in San Marcos should review the upcoming candidate Q&A to understand how each mayoral hopeful plans to handle the increased nonprofit budget. This election marks a critical opportunity for the city to set its governance course for the next term.
Further reading
Learn more about the upcoming election on the San Marcos City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The University Star.
Live Poll
In your opinion, should the San Marcos mayor prioritize social program funding over first responder staffing?
