Hughson, Gleason win runoff election

San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson was reelected Tuesday after staving off challenger Juan Miguel Arredondo in a runoff election, while Mark Gleason was voted to a one-year term to city council place 5 in a race against Omar Baca. 

Hughson, who was first voted as mayor in 2018, received 2,411 votes (65.95%) to Arredondo’s 1,245 (34.05%). 

Hughson and Arredondo advanced to Tuesday’s runoff after they received the most votes in a five-candidate race on Nov. 3. Hughson received 8,902 votes to Arredondo’s 6,502 votes during the general election. Although Hughson claimed an advantage over Arredondo, she only received 44.75% of the vote — short of the necessary 50% to win the race. 

With Tuesday’s result, Hughson will begin her second term as San Marcos Mayor. 

“Thank you, San Marcos, for the opportunity to continue to serve as your mayor,” Hughson said. “The city council has a lot of work to do to increase the quality of life for every San Marcan. Our annual visioning workshop will be held in early January and we will roll up our sleeves, set our strategic priorities, and continue working for all residents of San Marcos.”

In the council place 5 race, Gleason earned 2,031 votes (56.01%), while Baca tallied 1,595 (43.99%). 

Gleason and Baca advanced to Tuesday’s runoff after earning the most votes in a three-candidate race on Nov. 3. During the Nov. 3 election, the contest between Gleason, Baca and Zach Sambrano remained tight throughout the night with the candidates all receiving at least 30% of the vote. 

Gleason received 6,674 votes — 35.36%. Baca narrowly edged out Sambrano by 101 votes for second. Baca garnered 6,150 votes, while Sambrano received 6,049. 

Following Tuesday’s result, Gleason will serve as place 5 city councilmember for one year after the seat was vacated by Joca Marquez.  

“I am proud to announce that I will be your newest member of the San Marcos City Council,” Gleason said in a social media post. “I would like to thank Omar Baca for running a clean campaign. His heart really is with this community. Thank you to the community and all of my supporters and voters. I will do my best to represent all citizens of San Marcos.” 

The Dec. 8 runoff election will be canvased and Hughson and Gleason will be sworn in on Monday, Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 630 E. Hopkins St.

This story has been updated since its first publication