Bastrop - Cedar Creek Edition | June 2025

Election

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Harris wins Bastrop mayoral race

Meet the mayor

A lifelong, fth-generation Bastrop resident, Harris stepped down from his position on the Planning and Zoning Commission after nearly two years to run for mayor, as the city’s charter prohibits individuals from holding a board seat while running for oce. His day job is supervising a wastewater treatment plan in Austin, which he has done for over 20 years. Harris will nish former Mayor Lyle Nelson’s term over the next year. The seat will be up for election May 2026. “I’m excited to get to work listening, leading and making sure every voice is heard as we build a better Bastrop for us all,” Harris said.

Ishmael Harris is Bastrop’s newest mayor after securing nearly 63% of the vote in the city’s June 7 runo election, defeating opponent Willie DeLaRosa and making history as the city’s rst Black mayor. The race to become Bastrop’s next mayor began following former Bastrop Mayor Lyle Nelson’s resignation in January. The runo followed a three-way race in May that left no candidate with a majority. Citing smart growth, infrastructure updates

and quality-of-life improvements as his top priorities, Harris said his win reects a shared vision for Bastrop’s future. “Becoming Bastrop’s rst Black mayor is an incredible honor—one I didn’t expect to happen so soon, and certainly not to me,” Harris said. “I stand on the shoulders of the Black leaders who paved the way, and I’m proud to carry their legacy forward. I’m ready to get to work.”

The breakdown

"This victory is not just mine—it belongs to all of us who believe in the power of community, smart growth and preserving the heart of Bastrop while building for the future." ISHMAEL HARRIS, BASTROP MAYOR

The results

62.87% Ishmael Harris 37.13% Willie DeLaRosa

Mayor Ishmael Harris will serve a one-year term through May 2026 to nish former mayor Lyle Nelson’s tenure.

SOURCE: BASTROP ELECTIONS OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT

AMANDA CUTSHALLCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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