Defense attorney José "Chito" Vela III won the special election for Austin City Council, District 4 on Jan. 25, according to unofficial election returns.
"THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! MIL GRACIAS!!! I am so grateful and humbled by the results. Thanks to the voters who put their faith and trust in me," Vela III tweeted.
Vela defeated six opponents in the contest to succeed Greg Casar, who resigned from the seat to run for Congress. Vela, who works for the law firm Walker Gates Vela, garnered 59% of the vote, negating the necessity for a runoff despite a crowded field.
"I'm just very excited, humbled by the experience and just so thankful to the voters," Vela told KUT.
One of the most pressing issues that Austin is currently facing is the sky-high housing prices. Most of the candidates that ran for District 4 spoke about housing affordability. Vela also ran a special campaign on building more housing.
"We need more housing in the city," Vela told KUT. "Both public housing and market-rate housing. It's just absolutely so clear from the voters. Renters are struggling and first-time homebuyers are unable to purchase homes."
Upon the canvassing of the results and the administration of the oath of office, Vela will represent North Central Austin.
"Together, we've created a bold, progressive agenda for the City of Austin, and I'm eager to see our new District 4 City Council Member, Chito Vela, continue that work with our community," Casar said.
A little more than 10% of registered voters in District 4 cast their ballots in the election.
Vela said at his campaign announcement event that his foremost priority on city council would be to "make sure that Austin is a welcoming city for working-class people, not a playground for the wealthy." Vela had run for the Texas House District 46 back in 2018.