Ennis Homebuilder Wins Runoff for Mayor Pro Tem

David Espedal defeats retired fire marshal Chad Wester in decisive election

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ennis homebuilder David Espedal has won a runoff election to secure a full term as Mayor Pro Tem, defeating retired fire marshal Chad Wester by a margin of 60% to 40%. This follows Espedal's initial victory in the January 31 election, where he received 42% of the vote compared to Wester's 37%.

Why it matters

The Mayor Pro Tem position in Ennis is an important role, serving as a deputy to the mayor and often presiding over city council meetings. Espedal's victory solidifies his leadership position in the city's government, giving him a stronger mandate to pursue his policy agenda.

The details

In the March 14 runoff election, Espedal received 499 votes (60%) compared to Wester's 333 votes (40%). This was a decisive victory for Espedal, who had previously won the January 31 election but failed to secure a majority, leading to the runoff. Espedal is a local homebuilder who has been involved in Ennis politics for several years, while Wester is a retired fire marshal known for his community involvement.

  • The initial election was held on January 31, 2026.
  • The runoff election took place on March 14, 2026.

The players

David Espedal

A homebuilder in Ennis, Texas who has won the election for Mayor Pro Tem.

Chad Wester

A retired fire marshal in Ennis, Texas who ran against Espedal in the Mayor Pro Tem election.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm honored that the residents of Ennis have placed their trust in me to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. I look forward to working with the mayor and city council to address the key issues facing our community.”

— David Espedal

What’s next

Espedal will be sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem at the next city council meeting on April 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Espedal's decisive victory in the runoff election demonstrates strong support from Ennis residents for his leadership and policy vision. As Mayor Pro Tem, he will play a key role in shaping the city's future direction.