Full Breakdown
Arlington City Council Candidates Address Key Issues Ahead of May Election
4/18/2026, 11:02:16 AM
Candidates Discuss Housing and Safety Concerns
Ten candidates vying for seats on the Arlington City Council participated in a forum on April 16, 2026, hosted by the Arlington Report, KERA News, and the League of Women Voters at Tarrant County College Southeast Campus. The candidates debated critical issues such as gas well setbacks, LGBTQ+ protections, and affordable housing in anticipation of the May 2 election.
In District 3, incumbent Nikkie Hunter and challenger Kelly R. Burke expressed similar views on gas well setbacks, advocating for increased distances from residential areas due to the concentration of wells in their district. Hunter stated, “I’ve been known as kind of the person that has voted against gasoline, probably more than anyone on (council),” while Burke emphasized the need for regulation to protect residents and daycares.
LGBTQ+ Protections and Community Safety
The candidates also addressed the removal of LGBTQ+ protections from the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance last year. Hunter expressed her commitment to reinstating these protections, asserting, “We need to have protections for every single person that’s in the city.” Burke, while supporting all residents, clarified that his campaign was not solely focused on Hunter's previous vote regarding LGBTQ+ issues.
In District 4, candidates Tom Ware, Lisa Ventura, and Rojo Meixueiro highlighted public safety and crime as primary concerns. Meixueiro stressed the importance of affordable housing for essential workers, while Ventura called for enhanced training for the Arlington Police Department. Ware proposed rebuilding older apartment developments to create livable affordable housing options.
District 5 Candidates Focus on Development
In District 5, incumbent Rebecca Boxall and challenger Brittney Garcia-Dumas found common ground on the need for increased gas well setbacks. Garcia-Dumas criticized Boxall’s support for a 300-foot setback, advocating for a larger distance to protect residents. Boxall noted that grandfathered wells are exempt from these regulations, complicating the issue.
Both candidates acknowledged the need for further development in downtown Arlington to attract young families and retain graduates from the University of Texas at Arlington. Garcia-Dumas emphasized creating a welcoming environment for new residents.
District 8 Candidates Address Affordability
Candidates for the at-large District 8 seat, including Arlington ISD trustee Melody Fowler, realtor Corey Harris, and UTA professor Jason Shelton, unanimously identified affordability as the most pressing issue facing Arlington. Fowler pointed out that many educators are forced to commute due to high housing costs, while Harris called for more diverse housing options. Shelton advocated for public-private partnerships to address the aging housing stock.
The candidates also discussed the implications of the city’s previous LGBTQ+ protections. Fowler and Harris expressed concerns about potential federal funding losses if the protections were retained, while Shelton emphasized the importance of local government support for all residents.
Official Statements & Responses
As the election approaches, candidates are articulating their visions for Arlington's future, focusing on housing, safety, and inclusivity. The forum provided a platform for candidates to clarify their positions and engage with community concerns.
What's Next
Election Day is set for May 2, 2026, with early voting scheduled from April 20 to April 28. The outcomes of this election could significantly influence Arlington's policies on housing, public safety, and community protections.
