Incoming Pflugerville Mayor Made History In Becoming First Hispanic In That Role

PFLUGERVILLE, TX — What may have seemed like a run-of-the mill mayoral race in one of the many small cities of America in the November election was actually a historic milestone in Pflugerville.

In securing the mayor's post with a majority of ballots from registered voters, Victor Gonzales became the first Hispanic mayor in the city's history. The grandson of Mexican immigrants, Gonzales received 8,644 votes, or 50.59 percent of the vote — compared to 7,640 votes (44.71 percent) for Brad Marshall. A third candidate, Philip Emiabata, got 802 votes.

Given the spread, Gonzales won the election outright without the need for a runoff election. Despite the historical challenge, Gonzales actually predicted his win prior to the race, telling supporters he expected to reach roughly "50 percent plus one" of the local electorate.

“I think this moment would have really made them proud," Pflugerville mayor-elect Gonzales told Spectrum News, referring to his descendants from Mexico who immigrated to the U.S. in search of opportunity. "So I’m very proud to have been elected as mayor and more importantly as a Hispanic mayor in this part of the country."

Gonzales replaces Jeff Coleman, who reached the maximum three terms of three years each preventing him from running again. Coleman is expected to remain in Pflugerville, where he operates a thriving State Farm Insurance agency on Main Street.

"It was a long night; the result was to say the least very exciting," Gonzales said the day after the election. "Thanks to everyone who stood in the rain yesterday. I appreciate and respect each one of you for the passion you had in this journey. I felt the conviction you had to make a difference in Pflugerville in many ways. I look forward to fulfilling and driving that vision for our great city, that I love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

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