East Fort Worth securures a new City Council member in Deborah Peoples, representing the district's eastern sector.
In a loaded District 5 race, Deborah Peoples emerges victorious as the public's preferred candidate for the Fort Worth City Council seat left vacant by long-term council member Gyna Bivens.
The Tarrant County Elections Office reports that Peoples has reeled in a hefty 2,524 votes in the May 3 election, accounting for an impressive 54.27% of the total votes with all 160 vote centers reporting. Peoples, a seasoned AT&T retiree and former Tarrant County Democratic Party chair, is all set to take over from Bivens, who has been leading the district since 2013.
"I can't help but feel overwhelming gratitude towards the residents of District 5 for placing their trust in me. I've dedicated years to this community, and it's my passion for Fort Worth that drives me," Peoples expressed in a late-night phone conversation with the Fort Worth Report at 10:30 p.m. May 3.
She remained reluctant to celebrate the victory prematurely, waiting on the final vote tally during the night. Her campaign focused on economic growth, lowering property taxes, and bolstering public safety.
Peoples managed to avoid the looming runoff election many experts had predicted due to the high number of candidates. She was closely followed by Mary Kelleher, an outgoing Tarrant Regional Water District board member, who garnered 1,110 votes, or 23.87% of the vote.
Respecting her defeat, but showing resilience, Peoples attributed her victory to her extensive community work and widespread network of friends from diverse backgrounds.
"I've consistently strived to build a body of work demonstrating my commitment to this community, and I'm deeply grateful for the friendships and collaborations that have made this possible," Peoples said.
Bivens had announced last year that she wouldn't seek another term following her 2023 election win. Last month, she endorsed Michael Moore, a pastor at New Bethel Complete in Christ Church in south Fort Worth and member of the city's Park and Recreation Advisory Board, as her preferred successor. Moore claimed 814 votes, or 17.50% of the total.
The other three candidates – Kenneth Bowens Jr., Bob Willoughby, and Marvin Jose Diaz – amassed a combined 203 votes, accounting for 4.37% of the total.
Fort Worth City Council seats were up for grabs in this election, with the District 5 seat being the second most competitive after the mayor's race, which saw seven candidates challenge incumbent Mayor Mattie Parker who comfortably secured a third term.
The nine incumbent council members seeking reelection in this election were successful in their bids. The District 6 seat was also vacant, with incumbent Jared Williams stepping down after two terms. Mia Hall and Daryl Davis are headed for a June 7 runoff election for that seat.
As of 10:30 p.m., Peoples hadn't heard from any of her competitors to concede the race, but she received warm welcomes from numerous incumbent council members.
District 5 stretches from the intersection of Loop 820 and Interstate 20 at its southernmost tip to past the intersection of State Highways 360 and 183 at its northeastern tip, encompassing a sprawling strip of east Fort Worth, including the historic Stop Six neighborhood. Residents can check their council district here.
This is Deborah Peoples' third political office pursuit in recent years, following her bids for the position of Fort Worth mayor in 2019 and 2021, as well as the Tarrant County judge position in 2022. Peoples acknowledges her past losses but feels this election marked a culmination of her hard work.
While specifics about Peoples' plans for public safety, infrastructure, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development in District 5 remain undisclosed, her emphasis on community engagement and economic development may guide her approach, based on her background and stated campaign goals. For comprehensive insights, it would be advisable to consult her campaign materials or statements directly.
Cecilia Lenzen is a government accountability reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at [email protected].
Deborah Peoples expressed her gratitude towards the residents of District 5 for entrusting her with the City Council seat, attributing her victory to her extensive community work and widespread network of friends. Despite the close race, she managed to avoid the predicted runoff election, with Mary Kelleher being her closest competitor.
Peoples' campaign focused on economic growth, lowering property taxes, and enhancing public safety, areas that may guide her approach as she moves forward in her role on the Fort Worth City Council. Her plans for public safety, infrastructure, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development in District 5 remain undisclosed, making it necessary to consult her campaign materials or statements for comprehensive insights.
