Princeton Election Results Bring Changes to City Council and School Board

By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews

PRINCETON, Texas — Princeton voters selected two new City Council member and replaced a former school board president in Tuesday’s election. The results come as candidates point to concerns about traffic, development and the city’s schools.

Sumbel “Susan” Zeb finished ahead of Kenneth Seligman in the contested City Council Place 6 race, while DeShawyna Walker ran unopposed for Place 7.

In the Princeton ISD school board election, newcomer Charlotte Wilson received the most votes, followed by incumbent Vice President Starla Sharpe. Former Board President Cyndi Darland finished third.

Zeb Wins Place 6 Race

Zeb received 3,735 votes (53.44%), compared with Seligman’s 3,254 (46.56%), a difference of 481 votes, according to Collin County’s unofficial results.

“I ran for the future of my children and for all of the children in Princeton, and I’m so thankful for all of the help and support and for those who believed in me and honored me with their votes,” Zeb said.

But she sees considerable work ahead for the city.

“We need economic development- we need entertainment for families. We need jobs here in Princeton. I am concerned at the rate of homes of being built here, and the lack of diversity in housing. Council needs to take a good, hard look at updated projections for growth and we need to make adjustments on our plans.”

Despite the traffic problems along U.S. 380, Zeb said another issue came up even more frequently during the campaign.

“But I really would say the number one complaint I heard was in relation to the schools. I will be pushing to bring back a liaison between the city and the school district. I think we need to be working more closely with them.”

Seligman Surprised by Results

Seligman acknowledged that he expected to win.

“I was very surprised not only that I was not ahead in votes but also by the significant margin,” he said.

He pointed to his community involvement and conversations with voters as reasons for his confidence.

“I was rather confident I would be elected.”

On the issues facing Princeton, the candidates found some common ground.

“Easily the 2 top concerns were inadequate transportation infrastructure—which should have been in place before the explosion of housing was allowed—and unrestrained residential growth including multi-family housing that further burdens already strained Municipal infrastructure,” Seligman said.

He hasn’t decided whether he’ll run for office again but plans to remain active in local government, including efforts to establish an independent ethics commission.

In the uncontested Place 7 race, DeShawyna Walker received 4,610 votes.

Former School Board President Loses Reelection Bid

Four candidates competed for two Princeton ISD Board of Trustees seats.

• Charlotte Wilson: 5,029 votes (32.12%)
• Starla Sharpe: 4,853 votes (31.00%)
• Cyndi Darland: 3,735 votes (23.86%)
• Ricky Gillespie: 2,040 votes (13.03%)

Wilson and Sharpe finished in the top two positions.

Darland, a trustee since 2020, served as board president until November 2025. Sharpe currently serves as vice president.

Sharpe interpreted the results as a call for improvements.

“I certainly believe the results send a clear message that our community wants to see progress, change, accountability, transparency, and a willingness to actually listen,” she said.

Sharpe Calls for Changes at Princeton ISD

Sharpe identified concerns about special education, teacher support, transportation and communication between the district and families.

“One of the most consistent things I heard was that people want to feel heard, be responded to timely, and see some action taking place especially for our children with disabilities,” she said.

She also described concerns about working conditions and services for students.

“Parents want timely, clear communication when they have concerns about their children. Teachers want to feel respected by admin, supported, and valued as professionals.”

Sharpe welcomed Wilson’s election, pointing to her experience as a former Princeton ISD teacher and her background in special education.

“I don’t expect us to agree on every issue, nor should we. But I do believe we will both ask thoughtful questions, challenge assumptions when necessary, and keep our students and educators at the center of our decisions.”

Sharpe wants the board to establish measurable goals and regularly review its performance.

“I want families to see and feel the difference, not just hear us talk about it. Hold me and the entire board accountable!”

The November 3 results remain unofficial pending the appropriate election canvasses.

Results Await Certification

Although all 90 Collin County vote centers have reported, the results remain unofficial. Election officials must finish reviewing outstanding ballots before the county canvass, scheduled to take place between November 6 and 17.

The final totals could change, and eligible candidates may request recounts after the canvass.