SAN MARCOS, Texas — The runoff election in San Marcos led Lorenzo Gonzalez to secure the win for the Place 5 city council seat.
Gonzalez, who won 50.72% of the vote, beat out opponent Roland Saucedo by just 12 votes on Saturday. Despite the tight margin, Saucedo said he would not be seeking a recount.
"I believe in the democratic process," Saucedo said. "The people have spoken."
Gonzalez said he was excited to get to work and dig into the city's needs. He said the housing crisis would be one of the efforts he hopes to address during his term.
"It's obviously not something that's going to happen in a meeting or two," Gonzalez said. "It's going to be a long planning process."
Gonzalez currently works as a police officer with Del Valle
Gonzalez is a current police officer with the Del Valle Independent School District. He noted that some of the skills he's acquired in his position will be applied to the San Marcos City Council.
"In my role, specifically as a campus police officer, is really listening to people, said Gonzalez. "Just hearing people out ... letting them tell their story and being there to help solve their issues when they need help solving them. What I want to be is available to the residents."
Gonzalez will succeed Mark Gleason who did not seek reelection due to term limits.
As for Saucedo - a resident of San Marcos for more than 50 years - he said although he accepts the loss, he will still advocate for the community.
"I will continue to join commissions and boards, and committees," Saucedo said. "As well as continue to work out in the public, by volunteerism and outreach and do whatever I can to inform and help educate the community."