El Paso voters will return to the polls this November to decide the final winners of three city‑council races that did not produce a majority winner on Tuesday. Incumbent council members in Districts 8, 6 and 1 each earned the most votes in their contests but fell short of the 50 percent threshold required to avoid a runoff.
District 8: Chris Canales vs. Matthew Guzman
District 8 Representative Chris Canales led the field with 34 percent of the vote, tallying 5,715 ballots. His nearest rival, community activist Matthew Guzman, captured 25 percent. Because no candidate reached a majority, the city will hold a runoff between Canales and Guzman to determine who will continue representing the district.
District 6: Art Fierro vs. Jesse Moreno
In District 6, incumbent Art Fierro also received 34 percent of the vote. Challenger Jesse Moreno earned 27 percent, with 5,681 votes counted for him. The close split sends both candidates to a runoff, where voters will decide whether to retain Fierro’s experience on the council or elect Moreno for a fresh perspective.
District 1: Alejandra Chavez vs. Sam Armijo
District 1 saw the strongest incumbent performance, with Rep. Alejandra Chavez winning 47 percent of the vote and 12,053 total ballots. Her opponent, Sam Armijo, received 20 percent. Although Chavez led comfortably, she still must secure a majority, prompting a runoff to confirm her continued service.
What Comes Next
The runoff elections are scheduled for early December, giving candidates a brief window to reach out to voters, clarify their priorities, and reinforce their commitment to the community. City officials have confirmed that polling locations will remain the same as the general election, and early‑voting options will be available for those who cannot vote on election day.
Community Impact
These council seats play a vital role in shaping local policy on public safety, infrastructure, and neighborhood development. Residents of each district are encouraged to stay informed about the candidates’ platforms, attend any upcoming forums, and participate in the runoff to ensure their voices are heard.
Media Outreach
ABC‑7 has reached out to all runoff candidates for interviews, indicating continued media interest in the outcomes. As the city prepares for the decisive votes, local leaders and community groups are mobilizing volunteers to assist voters with information and transportation to the polls.
For the latest updates on the runoff dates, voting locations, and candidate statements, visit the El Paso city website or follow local news outlets.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
