As we gear up for the June 7, 2025, runoff elections in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, a recurring issue rears its head: low voter turnout. In the recent May 3 general election, Collin County saw a turnout of just 10.89%, with 80,639 ballots cast out of 740,482 registered voters.
This isn’t just a number; it’s a reflection of a broader disengagement from local politics. Factors like election fatigue, limited awareness, and the misconception that local elections don’t significantly impact daily life contribute to this trend. Yet, these local decisions shape our communities, from infrastructure projects to public safety initiatives. Understanding and addressing these challenges is essential to ensure more Texans have a say in their communities’ futures.
McKinney: Mayoral and At-Large 1 Showdowns
McKinney’s mayoral runoff on June 7, 2025, is shaping up to be a pivotal decision point for the city’s future. Bill Cox, a seasoned realtor and former city council member, leads with 46.79% of the vote, bringing experience and a vision for balanced growth. His opponent, Scott Sanford, a pastor and former state representative, secured 40.81% and emphasizes fiscal conservatism and infrastructure improvements. With only about 19,000 votes cast in the initial election, this low-turnout runoff could be decided by a small, engaged segment of the population. The outcome will influence McKinney’s trajectory—whether it continues its rapid development or adopts a more measured approach.
Mayor’s Race:
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Bill Cox: Principal in Mckinney based Carey Cox Company and former city council member, Cox secured 47% of the vote in the general election.
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Scott Sanford: A pastor and former Republican state representative, Sanford garnered 41%.
With neither candidate achieving a majority, the mayoral race heads to a runoff.
At-Large 1 Seat:
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Ernest Lynch: A retired healthcare executive, Lynch led with 29.34%.
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Jim Garrison: A business owner and former city council member, Garrison followed with 19.98%.
The remaining candidates split the rest of the votes, necessitating a runoff between Lynch and Garrison.
Frisco: City Council Contests
Frisco’s June 7 runoff is the blockbuster sequel to May’s ballot box cliffhanger, and the plot’s only thickening. In Place 2, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Tammy Meinershagen, Frisco’s loudest voice for the arts and a driving force behind the now-defeated $160 million bond, is going head-to-head with Burt Thakur—yes, the Jeopardy! champ—who brings Navy grit and a “no-frills, fund-the-basics” platform backed by local police, firefighters, and the Collin County GOP. He’s pitching fiscal discipline and a leaner collaboration with Frisco ISD’s theater efforts. Meanwhile, in Place 4, it’s Jared Elad, a conservative education advocate with school board ties, versus Gopal Ponangi, whose campaign positions are still a bit of a mystery to voters. With the glitzy Frisco Center for the Arts already voted down and World Cup dreams looming, this low-turnout showdown could decide whether Frisco doubles down on civic sparkle or leans into core services and tax restraint.
Place 2:
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Burt Thakur: An engineer and Navy veteran, Thakur received approximately 43% of the vote.
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Tammy Meinershagen: The incumbent and deputy mayor pro tem, Meinershagen garnered about 41%.
Their differing views on the proposed Frisco Center for the Arts, a $340 million project rejected by voters, have been a focal point.
Place 4:
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Jared Elad: A business consultant, Elad led with approximately 38%.
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Gopal Ponangi: An IT professional and former school board trustee, Ponangi secured about 24%.
With no candidate achieving a majority, both races proceed to runoffs.
Key Dates
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Early Voting: May 27 – June 3, 2025
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Election Day: Saturday, June 7, 2025
For polling locations and hours, visit your city’s official website or the Texas Secretary of State’s elections page.
Your Voice, Your Vote, Our Coumminity
Local elections shape the communities we live in, from infrastructure projects to public safety initiatives. Don’t let a small fraction of the population decide your city’s future. Make your voice heard on June 7.
To provide our readers with comprehensive coverage, we’ve reached out to all candidates in the runoff races, submitting a set of questions about their positions and requesting candidate profiles. We look forward to sharing their responses as they become available.