TAFT, Texas \u2014 Voters in Taft chose new leadership Tuesday night, electing Elida Castillo as mayor and selecting new alderpersons in both Ward 1 and Ward 2.<\/p>\n
According to the San Patricio County Elections Office, Castillo received 196 votes, or 38.7%. Pedro Lopez finished second with 149 votes (29.45%), followed by Chris Keeney with 82 (16.21%) and Leonardo Vasquez with 79 (15.61%).<\/p>\n
KRIS 6 News confirmed with the San Patricio County Election Office that the winner is determined by whoever receives the most votes, so no run-off in any of the three races is required.<\/a><\/p>\n In the race for Alderperson Ward 1, Esmeralda \u201cMimi\u201d Cruz is the projected winner with 77 votes (53.1%), ahead of Isaiah Garza with 41 (28.2%) and Rolando \u201cRonnie\u201d Rodriguez with 27 (18.6%).<\/p>\n For Alderperson Ward 2, Mariah Moreno earned 133 votes (38.11%), defeating Michael Esquivel with 115 (32.9%) and Felix Flores Jr. with 101 (28.9%).<\/p>\n Following the results, Castillo said she is proud of the community for engaging in the election and wants to focus on accountability and transparency.<\/p>\n \u201cThey want people who listen to them, and they knew that we were going to be their voice,\u201d Castillo said. \u201cWe\u2019re ready to have a government for the people and move our town forward in a positive fashion.\u201d<\/p>\n Ward 1 winner Cruz said she is proud of Taft residents for making their voices heard. \u201cThis is about them,\u201d Cruz said. \u201cIt\u2019s time for change, moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n Ward 2 winner Moreno thanked voters and said she is ready to begin working on behalf of residents. \u201cI\u2019m ready to be your voice,\u201d she said. \u201cLet\u2019s work together and build Taft\u2019s future.\u201d<\/p>\n All newly elected officials are expected to be sworn in on Nov. 12.<\/p>\n For the latest local news updates, click here<\/a>, or download the KRIS 6 News App.<\/a><\/p>\n