By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews.com
McKinney voters are headed back to the polls on June 7, 2025, for a mayoral runoff that pits two very different leaders against each other: former Texas Representative Scott Sanford and former McKinney Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cox.
McKinney’s mayoral runoff isn’t just a contest between two candidates — it’s a contest between two visions for the city’s future. Will McKinney double down on its current path of growth and development, or shift toward a more conservative, scaled-back approach? And what do the powerful endorsements behind each side tell us about what’s really at stake?
Let’s break it down.
Bill Cox: The Insider’s Pick
Bill Cox is no stranger to McKinney politics. A longtime city councilman and former mayor pro tem, Cox has campaigned on a platform of steady leadership, local business growth, and keeping McKinney’s hometown feel alive even as the city rockets up the charts as one of the fastest-growing communities in the country.
So, who’s lining up behind him?
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Mayor George Fuller — The outgoing mayor, known for his sharp elbows and outspoken style, has publicly endorsed Cox as the natural successor.
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McKinney Police Association & Firefighters Association — First responders say Cox’s city government experience makes him the safer choice on public safety and municipal services.
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McKinneyTEAM PAC — A local political action committee supporting Cox and other establishment-aligned candidates.
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Texas REALTORS® PAC & Apartment Association of Greater Dallas — Real estate and development groups betting on Cox to manage growth.
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Several current and former City Council members — Including Dr. Geré Feltus, Patrick Cloutier, Michael Jones, and Rainey Rogers.
Cox’s message? Keep McKinney’s momentum going — but do it while protecting the small-town roots that drew so many people here in the first place.
Scott Sanford: The Conservative Challenger
Scott Sanford brings state-level experience to the local stage. A former Texas House Representative and executive pastor at Cottonwood Creek Church, Sanford has made fiscal responsibility, government accountability, and skepticism toward big-ticket city projects — especially the McKinney National Airport expansion — key parts of his campaign.
Who’s backing him?
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Governor Greg Abbott — The highest-profile endorsement in the race, underscoring Sanford’s strong Republican ties.
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U.S. Representative Keith Self — Backing Sanford as a “rock-solid conservative” ready to lead McKinney.
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State-level officials — Including State Senator Mayes Middleton and Representatives Jared Patterson, Matt Shaheen, and Candy Noble.
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Collin County leadership — With support from former Justice of the Peace John Payton, multiple Collin County Constables, and prominent conservative leaders such as Kelly Shackelford (President and CEO of First Liberty Institute) and Jonathan Saenz (President of Texas Values).
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Former mayoral candidate Matt “Doc” Rostami — Who pivoted his own anti-airport-expansion campaign to support Sanford.
Sanford’s message? Cut waste, refocus priorities, and push back on projects that could reshape McKinney faster than residents want.
The Big Question: What Do These Endorsements Really Tell Us?
Bill Cox has carved out his image as the hometown insider — the trusted pick of city leaders, public safety groups, and local business circles. His backers are betting on his steady hand, deep city experience, and ability to guide McKinney through its explosive growth without losing the small-town charm that makes it special.
Scott Sanford, by contrast, is the candidate of the conservative heavyweights — backed by Governor Greg Abbott, Congressman Keith Self, and a lineup of state officials. His endorsements signal a campaign set on shaking up the local status quo, tightening the city’s purse strings, and pulling McKinney’s government more firmly into a conservative, fiscally restrained direction.
The real question for McKinney voters: Do you want a mayor backed by local leaders focused on steady, community-driven growth — or one supported by state-level conservative power players like Abbott and Self, whose endorsements align with MAGA priorities on spending cuts, border security, and socially conservative policies? Which kind of leadership truly reflects the future you want for McKinney?
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about who’s backing the candidates — it’s about which one reflects the priorities and convictions of McKinney’s voters. This runoff isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about what kind of leadership you trust, what direction you’re willing to stand behind, and what your vote ultimately says about the kind of city — and values — you want to claim as your own.
What’s Next?
Early voting runs May 27–June 3, with Election Day on June 7. McKinney voters have multiple chances — but here’s the hard truth: in past local elections, only a small slice of the city shows up to decide its future. If you don’t cast your vote, you’re letting a handful of others shape McKinney’s direction for years to come.
No matter which side you’re on, the bottom line is this: your vote isn’t just a box to check — it’s your voice, your power, and your statement about the kind of leadership and values you want steering this city.
Stay tuned to TX3DNews.com for more local election coverage, candidate interviews, and runoff results. Let’s make sure McKinney’s future is shaped by all its voters — not just a few.
Note: Both campaigns were contacted about submitting candidate profiles for TX3DNews. So far, only Bill Cox’s campaign has responded and provided a profile. Our invitation remains open to Scott Sanford’s campaign, and we would welcome the opportunity to share his vision with voters as well
Editor’s note: This article was updated on May 29, 2025, to correct the title of endorser John Payton (former Justice of the Peace).