Irving City Council Elections Overview
Polls in Irving closed on Saturday afternoon, featuring three City Council races. This included two open seats and one where an incumbent is vying for reelection.
Low Voter Turnout Amidst Casino Debates
Despite the significant issues at stake, voter turnout was low in this Dallas suburb. The elections were fueled by discussions surrounding a proposed “destination resort” from casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corp., which had brought hundreds of opponents to City Hall earlier this year and influenced several candidates’ campaign messages.
The Role of Dark Money in the Elections
Additionally, the races were influenced by spending from a group often referred to as a “dark money” organization. This term is used by critics to describe groups engaging in campaign activities without revealing their funding sources.
Campaign Finances
The Lone Star Conservative Action Fund, the group in question, invested over $93,000 supporting three candidates. In contrast, Families for Irving, a political action committee backing four of the current council members, reported spending roughly $1,600 during the same timeframe, with over $15,500 still available.
Election Outcomes and Leading Candidates
Incumbent John Bloch was seeking reelection in District 1, facing off against Tony Grimes, a former school board trustee. Unofficial early voting results indicated Bloch was leading with 53% compared to Grimes’ 46%.
In District 2, where the council member Brad LaMorgese did not run for reelection, four candidates were on the ballot. David Pfaff was leading with 50%, and Sergio Porres followed with 42%. For District 7, Adam Muller and Priscilla Vigliante were in a close race, with Muller at 50% to Vigliante’s 49%.
Community Engagement and Concerns
Clayton Draughon and his wife, Annie, actively supported anti-casino candidates by distributing bilingual flyers outside City Hall. Concerns regarding the “destination resort” proposal, especially its potential impact on the city’s character, fueled their engagement. Following a public backlash, Sands Corp. withdrew the gambling aspect of its plan, which received approval after amendments.
Voter Perspectives and Candidates’ Positions
Comments from voters like Jay Tripp highlighted their concerns about candidates backed by Families for Irving, which aims to make the city an optimal place for families. While he agreed with some of the Committee’s objectives, he criticized the manner in which they have pursued their agenda, particularly Bloch’s library policy proposals.
