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Kirk Watson, former Texas State Senator, to run for Austin mayor
Former State Senator Kirk Watson announced he's running for Austin mayor. A local political analyst says it could be a favorable move for him.
AUSTIN, Texas - Former Democratic Texas State Senator Kirk Watson has announced he is running for Austin mayor on Tuesday. Watson has a lengthy resume in public service.
"He was mayor in the later part of the 1990s into the early 2000s and then he made a shot for attorney general, ran for attorney general and lost," said Brian Smith, political science professor at St. Edward’s University.
He spent time serving as senator for Texas. He was elected to the Texas Senate of District 14 in 2006 and he resigned in 2020.
"It’s an open seat race, Mayor Adler is not going to run. What happens is, it’s anybody’s game. So by entering the race, he is the immediate front-runner of the race," said Smith.
Smith said not only does Watson have the name recognition, but this move actually makes sense politically.
"Kirk Watson, he’s in the minority party. The democrats haven’t had control of the Texas Senate for some time, and you do get tired of losing," he said.
"By moving back into the city of Austin he actually has a chance to win some battles and get some policies he and his party thinks will be favorable for all of Austin," said Smith.
Other candidates running include State Rep. Celia Israel, Jennifer Virden and Kathie Tovo, who tells FOX 7 Austin she is planning to run.
"The mayor’s race is non-partisan, you don’t run on a D or an R, but everybody knows what letter is behind the nonpartisan ship. Austin is democratic stronghold, so he will do very well with the Austin base.
"With Adler not there, a lot of people thought about running but Kirk Watson is going to scare off a lot of people.
The mayor has a two "consecutive" term limit, but can return after leaving, as Watson did.
In his announcement on Twitter, Watson said, "Austin is special, but we're facing a lot of challenges ahead. By working together, we can create transformational change that doesn't leave anyone behind."
Austin Mayor Steve Adler is in his final term due to term limits.
An election for the new mayor will be held on Nov. 8.
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