Plainview City Council Cancels Uncontested Races

Council votes to forgo elections for two seats with no challengers

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:21am

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The Plainview City Council voted this week to cancel elections for the District 2 and District 3 seats, as those races are uncontested. The council ordered elections for Districts 1, 2, 3, and 4, but only the District 1 race is contested, with incumbent Mary Elizabeth Dickerson facing a write-in challenger, Roseanna E. Salazar. The other uncontested races are for Gilbert Garcia in District 3 and former council member Larry Williams in District 2.

Why it matters

The decision to cancel uncontested races is allowed under Texas law, but it raises questions about voter engagement and the democratic process, especially in local elections where turnout can be low. Some argue that even uncontested races should still go to the ballot to ensure transparency and give voters a chance to participate.

The details

The Plainview City Council voted 5-0 to cancel the elections for Districts 2 and 3 since those races are uncontested. Incumbent Gilbert Garcia is running unopposed in District 3, while former council member Larry Williams is the sole candidate in District 2. The only contested race is in District 1, where incumbent Mary Elizabeth Dickerson faces a write-in challenger, Roseanna E. Salazar.

  • The City Council Election is scheduled for May 2, 2026.
  • Early voting is set for April 20-28, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Plainview City Hall.

The players

Mary Elizabeth Dickerson

Incumbent for District 1 on the Plainview City Council.

Roseanna E. Salazar

Write-in candidate for the District 1 seat on the Plainview City Council.

Gilbert Garcia

Incumbent for the District 3 seat on the Plainview City Council, elected in May 2025 to fill an unexpired term.

Larry Williams

Former Plainview City Council member who filed to run to represent District 2 again.

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What they’re saying

“Since those races are uncontested and since we don't have an at-large position," said City Secretary Belinda Hinojosa to the Council, "the law allows for the election to be canceled.”

— Belinda Hinojosa, City Secretary

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.