By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews.com
After weeks of speeches, debates, and more campaign flyers than we care to count, it all came down to this: turnout, early voting, and final tallies. The election is over, the winners announced — but the story doesn’t end there. Because elections aren’t just about numbers. They’re about people, community, and the freedom to have our voices heard.
Behind every ballot was an army of effort — door-knockers, phone bankers, city staff, and everyday residents who squeezed in time to vote between shifts, errands, or soccer games. This runoff was a community effort from start to finish.
And while the headlines go to the victors, the bigger story is what McKinney proved: it’s still a city that shows up, speaks out, and takes democracy seriously.
A Thank You to the Community
The big take away was the turnout. Normally runoff see a decline in voter participation, some disappointment that their candidate didn’t win or just apathy about the process but not this time. The turnout in the Mckinney runoff was higher than May 3rd election. People didn’t stay home. They didn’t tune out. They leaned in and came back to make their voices heard.
Residents from all corners of McKinney — across neighborhoods, political beliefs, and faith traditions — found ways to connect and engage. Social media buzzed with energy as people looked for ways to shape the future of their city. Some disagreed passionately. Some were feverish in support of their candidate. Others asked tough questions. And many found themselves in conversations about the role of faith in politics. But through it all, McKinney voters did the one thing democracy requires: they showed up and participated.
And that deserves recognition. Not just for the winners—but for everyone who put something on the line to make this campaign season what it was.
Gracious in Defeat
Leadership Beyond the Ballot
Elections can divide. That’s inevitable in a competitive system. But real leadership—the kind that matters after the yard signs come down—means knowing how to help communities heal and move forward.
This year, we saw two candidates model exactly that. In their remarks, Scott Sanford and Jim Garrison reminded us that public service isn’t about personal power. It’s about putting the community first—win or lose. That kind of humility is rare in today’s politics, but it’s something we, as a community, should always demand from our elected leaders. Be proud in victory—but be even more gracious in defeat.
So thank you, Mr. Sanford. And thank you, Mr. Garrison. You both showed that coming in second doesn’t make you a loser. By accepting the will of the people with dignity and respect, you demonstrated what real leadership looks like—and that makes you true winners.
Their messages weren’t just about campaign volunteers or policy ideas. They were about gratitude. About civility. About remembering that while we may have chosen between candidates, we’re all still neighbors at the end of the day.
What Comes Next
The new mayor and city council won’t have a slow start. From airport expansion and ongoing road construction to the new amphitheater and rapid population growth, they’re stepping into big decisions that will shape McKinney’s future. Add in concerns about housing, safety, and zoning — and there’s a lot to tackle.
But they won’t be doing it alone. This election showed that McKinney residents are engaged, informed, and ready to hold their leaders accountable.
And they’ll be watching — not with cynicism, but with high expectations. Voters want more than slogans. They want leadership that listens, acts, and puts the city first.