Tarrant County voters face key races on May 2. Here’s what to know

Voters across Tarrant County head to the polls for municipal and school elections on May 2, with early voting running from April 20 through April 28. Here are the top election stories to watch in the weeks ahead.

Here are key takeaways:

• 845 million for roads and parks in Fort Worth: Fort Worth needs to borrow a lot of money to fix up roads, build parks, and construct an animal shelter. The city is asking residents to approve a six-part bond package worth $845 million — the most in the city’s history. Pay raises for the mayor and City Council members are also on the ballot.

• Willow Park council fight: Three challengers backed by Mayor Teresa Palmer are trying to flip the Willow Park City Council amid a lawsuit from Fort Worth and Aledo over allegations of unlawful annexation tied to a $500 million development. Two incumbents accepted campaign contributions from the developers behind the project.

• Fort Worth District 10: Business owner Chris Jamieson and former council district director Alicia Ortiz are competing in a special election to replace outgoing District 10 council member Alan Blaylock, with both candidates prioritizing road improvements in the fast-growing far north Fort Worth area.

• Keller mayor’s race: Three candidates — Mayor Pro Tem Ross McMullin, former council member Tag Green and retired Army Col. Edward Prem — are vying for the Keller mayor’s seat being vacated by Armin Mizani, who is running for a state Senate seat. Taxes, infrastructure and declining school enrollment are central issues.

• Arlington mayor’s race: Arlington voters will choose a new mayor from a field that includes incumbent Jim Ross, developer Steve Cavender, law librarian Hunter Crow and Shaun Mallory, with candidates clashing over a $25 million budget deficit, property tax increases and World Cup preparedness.

• Birdville school bond: The Birdville school district is asking voters to approve a $475.5 million bond package to renovate aging campuses, upgrade technology and improve security. District trustees have pledged no tax rate increase.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.