There were several races on the ballot this general election that Laguna Madre area residents were able to cast their vote for on Election Day.
Five places were on the ballot for the Town of Laguna Vista general election.
Nadine Smith ran unopposed for mayor.
With two of two precincts reported, she received 1,158 votes.
Prior to becoming mayor, Smith served as town council member place 6.
Michael “Mike” Carter ran unopposed for council member place 1.
With two of two precincts reported, he received 1,117 votes.
Bettina Ridolfi Tolin ran unopposed for council member place 3.
With two of two precincts reported she received 983 votes.
Bubba Vann ran unopposed for the unexpired term of council member place 6.
With two of two precincts reported, he received 1,031 votes.
Incumbent Johvonne Hernandez-Howard won against challenger Richard Hinojosa for council member place 2.
With two of two precincts reported, Hinojosa received 669 votes to Hernandez-Howard’s 699 votes.
Hernandez-Howard has been serving on the town’s council since May of 2017.
“Thank you to the 699 Laguna Vista voters that had enough faith and trust in me to serve this community for another 3 years. I have learned a great deal and am ready to hit the ground running,” Hernandez-Howard stated on Facebook. “I will continue to be your voice on this council. Transparency, dedication and commitment is guaranteed.”
Three places were on the ballot for the City of Port Isabel general election.
Incumbent Juan Jose “J.J.” Zamora received more votes than challenger Baldemar Alaniz for mayor.
With four of four precincts reported, Alaniz received 533 votes to Zamora’s 752 votes.
Incumbent Martin Cantu, Jr. ran unopposed for commissioner place 1.
With four of four precincts reported, Cantu received 932 votes.
Incumbent Carmen Rios ran unopposed for commissioner place 2.
With four of four precincts reported, Rios received 899 votes.
Two places were on the ballot for the City of South Padre Island general election.
Incumbent Patrick McNulty received 838 votes for mayor against challenger Brandy Buntin, who received 406 votes.
“Thank you to everyone that voted for me. I love this island, and will continue the good fight, to keep it a great place to live, raise my family, and run a business,” Buntin stated on Facebook. “I’m so proud and very humbled that God has helped me to represent all of my family and all of you that supported me.”
Thomas Bainter and Lydia Caballero were vying for council member place four against incumbent Alita Bagley, who received 549 votes.
Caballero received 357 votes and Bainter received 250 votes.
Bagley has been serving on South Padre Island’s city council since 2008.
