Waco Hosts Election Candidate Forum on April 17

Public invited to hear from local leaders on Waco's future growth

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:08pm

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A cinematic painting of an empty conference room with a solitary podium in the center, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the upcoming election candidate forum in Waco.The upcoming election candidate forum in Waco will give the public a chance to hear directly from local leaders on the city's future growth and development.Waco Today

The Greater Waco Hotel & Lodging Association (GWHLA) is hosting an election candidate forum on Friday, April 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the AC Hotel in downtown Waco. Four local candidates - Waco Mayor Jim Holmes, Waco Mayor Pro Tem and District 1 Councilwoman Andrea Barefield, Waco City Council District 1 Candidate Rachel Pate, and McLennan County Judge Candidate Rick Tullis - will participate in the event, which is open to the public.

Why it matters

As Waco continues to grow as a tourism destination, this candidate forum provides an opportunity for the public to hear directly from local leaders about their vision and plans for the city's future development. The event is organized by the Greater Waco Hotel & Lodging Association, underscoring the importance of the hospitality industry to Waco's economy.

The details

The election candidate forum will be moderated by Scott Joslove, the president of the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association. Organizers say the event will benefit both the public who attend and the local hotel and lodging partners that the GWHLA serves.

  • The forum will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The players

Jim Holmes

Waco Mayor.

Andrea Barefield

Waco Mayor Pro Tem and District 1 Councilwoman.

Rachel Pate

Waco City Council District 1 Candidate.

Rick Tullis

McLennan County Judge Candidate.

Scott Joslove

President of the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, who will moderate the event.

Karli Fletcher

Event Organizer with the Greater Waco Hotel & Lodging Association (GWHLA).

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What they’re saying

“Tourism is a huge part of Waco's growth, and this forum is just a great opportunity to hear from local leaders about what is next for the growth in Waco.”

— Karli Fletcher, Event Organizer, Greater Waco Hotel & Lodging Association (GWHLA)

What’s next

The public is invited to attend the election candidate forum on April 17 to hear directly from local leaders about their vision for Waco's future.

The takeaway

This candidate forum organized by the Greater Waco Hotel & Lodging Association underscores the importance of the hospitality industry to Waco's economy and provides an opportunity for the public to engage with local leaders on the city's growth and development priorities.