Election
BY JOEL VALLEY
Voter Guide Dates to know
2026
Where to vote
April 21: polls closed for San Jacinto Day holiday April 28: last day of early voting in person May 2: election day; last day to receive absentee ballot
April 2: last day to register to vote for the May 2 election April 20: rst day of early voting in person; absentee ballot application deadline
City of Bastrop residents can cast their ballots at polling sites throughout the county. Visit www.bastropvotes.org for polling locations.
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
Mayor
KEY: *Incumbent
Joseph Stan eld Occupation & Experience: Solutions Architect, Dell Technologies, 15 years; Government & Fortune 500 contracts; Bastrop resident, 9 years; Self-funded candidate www.staneld4btx.com
Ishmael Harris* Occupation & Experience : Mayor of Bastrop; Planning & Zoning Commission Chair; Austin Water professional; longtime community volunteer www.ishmaelharrisformayor.com
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it? The biggest issue facing Bastrop is managing growth responsibly. Our city is growing quickly, and we must ensure infrastructure, roads and services keep pace. My focus is thoughtful planning, strengthening infrastructure and making sure development supports residents while preserving the character and history that dene Bastrop.
Infrastructure is overwhelmed; roads, drainage, and utilities are buckling under growth. I’d work with council and the city manager toward a policy requiring veried infrastructure capacity before approvals. Multi-family developments on undersized lots are a prime example of growth outpacing planning. Growth must fund itself.
If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?
Growth is inevitable, but how we guide it matters. I will continue working on responsible planning, updated development standards and infrastructure improvements so Bastrop grows in a strategic way. Our goal should always be growth that strengthens our community while respecting our heritage and quality of life.
My focus will be requiring infrastructure capacity verication before development approvals, ensuring growth pays for itself through proper impact fees, and delivering transparent public nancial reporting. I’ll bring budgetary discipline, data-driven decisions, and measurable outcomes with accountability to residents, not developers.
If elected, what would be your top three priorities?
Strengthening infrastructure and mobility, guiding responsible economic development, and protecting Bastrop’s heritage and quality of life. I will continue working with residents, businesses and regional partners to ensure our growth is strategic, balanced and benecial for both longtime residents and future generations.
1. Fiscal discipline: transparent budgeting and public reporting. 2. Infrastructure rst: no approvals without veried road, drainage, and utility capacity. 3. Preserve community character: smart, measured growth that protects Bastrop’s identity and quality of life.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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