The 2017 El Paso mayoral election took place on May 6, 2017, alongside elections for El Paso's city council. As none of the candidates received a majority of the total votes, a runoff election was held on June 10, 2017.
While elections in El Paso are officially non-partisan, candidates often publicize their party affiliation. Incumbent Democratic mayor Oscar Leeser declined to seek re-election and endorsed Dee Margo, a former Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives, who went on to win the election.
General election Candidates Advanced to runoff Dee Margo, former state representative David Saucedo, small business owner
Eliminated Emma Acosta, former city council representative (2008–2017) (later endorsed Margo) Jorge Artalejo, perennial candidate Willie Cager, former UTEP basketballer Elisa Morales, health science researcher and legislative aide to Senator Tom Udall Jaime Perez, perennial candidate Charles Stapler, member of the El Paso County Historical Commission board
Declined Estela Casas, KVIA news anchor Oscar Leeser, incumbent mayor Cortney Niland, former city council representative (2011–2017) Emma Schwartz, president and CEO of the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation Joe Wardy, former mayor of El Paso (2003–2005)
Endorsements
Results
Runoff Campaign Although mayoral elections in El Paso are officially nonpartisan, both of the 2017 runoff candidates were associated with the Republican Party. El Paso traditionally leans Democratic, and some Democratic Party leaders emphasized the option of not voting in the mayoral race. "Both [Dee Margo and David Saucedo] are Republican and don't hold the same values as Democratic values," El Paso County Democratic Party Chair Iliana Holguin said. "We are trying to inform people and educate them that there is a third option [of not voting in the mayoral race]."
Endorsements
Results
References
Notes