Will Last Day to File Draw City Council Challengers?

SAN ANGELO – Friday is the last day to file for a place on the May 6, 2023 ballot for San Angelo City Council.  

So far, the incumbents in Single Member Districts 1,3, and 5 have filed for reelection.  

Single-member District 1:
Tommy Hiebert (filed 1/18/2023)

Single-member District 3:
Harry Thomas (filed 1/18/2023)

Michael LePak

Single-member District 5:
Karen Hesse Smith (filed 1/30/2023)

Michael LePak is the only challenger to file for a place on the ballot.  He will challenge Harry Thomas in SMD 3.  LePak is active in the local Democrat Party and led the effort against the Sanctuary City for the Unborn movement.  

In addition to the races for City Council, the ballot will also include the elected vs. appointed Police Chief issue. 

A City charter election will be held May 6, 2023, regarding certain sections of the chief of police portion of the City's charter. 

The Charter Review Committee presented its recommendations Dec. 13 to the City Council. The committee recommended the City keep the police chief as an elected position, but to make changes to the qualifications and authority while also realigning the election cycle. City staff will present proposed ballot language at a City Council meeting in late January or early February. View a pdf version of the presentation here.

Prospective candidates have until 5 p.m. to file to run for City Council in May.  Candidate packets are available here. 

Important dates

• Monday, April 24, 2023 - First day of early voting by personal appearance.
• Tuesday, May 2, 2023 - Last day of early voting by personal appearance.
• Saturday, May 6, 2023 - Election day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - Anticipated canvassing of election results.

Local School Districts also have elections May 6, 2023 for School Board Trustees.  We will have more information on School Board elections later.