Adler Headed For Another Term As Austin Mayor

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Barring an Election Day miracle, Steve Adler appears to be headed for another term as the mayor of Austin against his most viable challenger, former city council member Laura Morrison, as early voting results show him ahead 61 percent to 19 percent.

Even in a crowded field of seven mayoral candidates, it's an impressive showing for Adler. Should the trend continue until the last vote is tallied, Adler will be able to avoid a runoff against the former councilwoman.

Morrison contrasted her candidacy against Adler's as being more in touch with the common, everyday voter. In announcing her candidacy, she said she eschewed "big ideas" in favor of more bread-and-butter ones like fixing potholes and alleviating traffic congestion. To further the contrast, she painted Adler as more cozy with the city's monied intereests and his support for brisk development.

The ploy didn't work. Adler wasted no time in all but declaring victory, even as the official count had yet to be tallied. He also took the time to ask for some last-minute donations: "We did it! We are winning with 61% of the vote! Thank you! We extended our efforts to help overall and had canvassers knocking on doors and talking to voters until the very last voter cast their ballot."

Then, like any good politician, he lowers the boom: "Would you help us fund the extended budget with a donation of $25, $50 or any amount up to the $350 maximum? Click here to donate now. I cannot accept any donations after midnight tonight. Would you help make the celebration complete with a donation of any amount before midnight tonight?"

He ends by thanking voters for their support.

Five other candidates threw their hats in the ring, but were never viewed as viable candidates: Drummer Travis Duncan, who managed to secure 2 percent of the early vote; car and motorcycle writer Alan Pease with 1 percent; U.S. Marine Corps veteran Gus Peña, a fixture in the citizens-to-be-heard portion of council meetings, secured 10 percent; Todd Phelps, an also-ran from 2014, got 6 percent of the early vote; and Alexander Strenger, a pedicab driver, received 1 percent of the vote.

Adler first ran for mayor in 2014 before entering into a runoff race with City Council member Mike Martinez in November when both candidates fell short of securing a majority of votes. Adler ultimately won the runoff contest in December 2014, with 67 percent of the total vote.

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>>> Photo of Steve Adler via City of Austin