Chamber to gather Elgin candidates

ELECTION 2026

The Elgin Chamber of Commerce will give residents a chance to hear from local office hopefuls in the May election during a candidate forum next week.

The forum April 1 runs from 6-8 p.m. at the Elgin ISD Administration Auditorium, 1002 N. Avenue C. Organizers said the free event is designed to encourage local election participation and provide a neutral setting where voters can learn about their potential school board and municipal representatives.

“Local elections shape our school, infrastructure and daily life. This is a chance for voters to hear directly from candidates in one place,” Chamber President Heather Bloom said. “Not everyone has access to the candidates otherwise … we want voters to feel informed and engaged.”

According to Bloom, the evening will be structured as more of a conference than typical debate. Candidates will answer prepared questions intended to address current community issues, shared with them one week prior.

The chamber invited all candidates who filed for the races and is still confirming participation as of press time.

“We will be choosing questions that are not intended to be onesided,” Bloom said. “They’re going to be fair — they’re going to be informative.”

In Elgin, the mayoral and four City Council seats will be on the May 2 ballot, as well as two Elgin Independent School District trustee positions. Each ward is represented by two council members, though only one seat per ward is up for election this year.

Incumbent mayor Theresa McShan has filed for reelection and will face challenger Stephanie Lippke.

In Ward 1, incumbent Joy Casnovsky is not seeking reelection and no candidates filed for the seat.

Ward 2 incumbent Charles “Chuck” Swain is running for another term against challengers Wes Callais and Roland Silva.

Ward 3 council member Al Rodriguez will face Agatha Christi Mayfield.

Mayor Pro Tem Sue Brashar is not seeking another term for the Ward 4 seat. Brenda Gulliksor Pina is the only candidate who filed for the position.

Elgin ISD Board President and District 1 Trustee Bryon Mitchell will face Michael Clowdus, while District 2 Trustee Cheryl Reese is challenged by Cherish White and Dennis Saint Ives.

Bloom said the forum is meant to encourage residents to take part in the local election process, which typically has low voter turnout. Last year, roughly 8% of registered voters participated in the general election, according to unofficial Bastrop County Elections records.

“We encourage everyone in the community to attend, learn about the candidates and be part of that process,” she said. “I hope the community feels informed and engaged.”

Early voting for the May 2 general election runs April 20-28. Election day polling locations will be open across Bastrop County from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.