Wichita Falls Mayor Tim Short Will Seek Re-election
Incumbent Mayor Tim Short faces challenger Scott Poenitsch in the November 3 municipal election.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Do you support your local government purchasing struggling commercial properties to prevent urban blight?
Wichita Falls Mayor Tim Short is running for re-election in the municipal contest scheduled for November 3. He faces a challenge from Scott Poenitsch for the mayoral seat he has held since 2023.
Why it matters
Short is seeking a new term to finalize economic initiatives initiated during his first tenure, including the city's acquisition of the Sikes Senter mall. The race highlights competing visions for the city's ongoing commercial development projects.
Incumbent Mayor Tim Short faces Scott Poenitsch in the November 3 municipal election. The city is currently negotiating the redevelopment of the Sikes Senter mall with three prospective companies.
The players
Tim Short
Tim Short is the incumbent mayor of Wichita Falls who was first elected to the position in 2023.
Scott Poenitsch
Scott Poenitsch is the candidate challenging the incumbent mayor for the seat in the 2026 municipal election.
The details
During Short's term, Wichita Falls saw $1.6 billion in commercial construction and the addition of over 1,000 jobs. The city also facilitated a $14.63 million deal in February 2026 where Skybox purchased 225 acres for a future data center, currently pending state audits.
Timeline
February 2026: Skybox purchased 225 acres in the city business park.
October 19-30, 2026: Early in-person voting takes place.
November 3, 2026: The municipal election occurs.
Political Context
Opposition to the incumbent often centers on the efficacy of municipal economic interventions and the use of public funds for private commercial property acquisition. These critiques represent a common partisan tension regarding the role of city government in local business development.
The outcome of this election determines the city's approach to the ongoing Sikes Senter redevelopment and potential impacts on local tax revenue. Residents will see these administrative priorities reflected in future commercial growth and debt management strategies.
The takeaway
Voters will decide between continuing the current administration's focus on commercial land acquisition or pursuing alternative economic strategies. The election results will likely dictate the timeline for future data center and retail center development projects.
What happens next
Early in-person voting is set for October 19 through October 30, followed by the municipal election on November 3.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming municipal contests, visit City Hall.
Live Poll
Do you support your local government purchasing struggling commercial properties to prevent urban blight?
