Bastrop has a new mayor, Harris wins runoff election

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Voters in Bastrop elected Ishmael Harris to be the city's next mayor. Unofficial results show Harris won Saturday's special election with 63% of the vote, defeating former city council member Willie DeLaRosa.

Harris previously served on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, but left his position to run for mayor. Before the election, Harris said that if he were elected, he hoped to improve trust in the city council. The Harris campaign website described him as the "candidate dedicated to bridging the gap between local government, big business, and the citizens of Bastrop!" 

The special election comes after former Bastrop Mayor Lyle Nelson resigned in January following allegations of misuse of official funds. Nelson denied those allegations, calling them part of a “witch hunt,” partially blaming city councilors in a press conference.

Nelson’s resignation preempted a potential recall vote against him, according to a city council agenda. Fellow city councilors led the recall effort, saying that Nelson interfered with the investigation and refused to turn over “critical evidence.” Nelson also denied these allegations.

At the same press conference, Nelson also said he had been “absolved of misdeeds” by local officials, including the Bastrop County Attorney and the Texas Rangers.

Voter turnout for the runoff election was 12.9%, with 967 voters casting ballots. Turnout was down from the May election, which saw 17.2% of registered voters turn out. The results are considered unofficial until the City Council canvases the results at an upcoming meeting.