Here are the candidates for Fort Worth City Council District 5 in May 3 election
Elections for Fort Worth City Council are in May of odd-numbered years. If no one receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters will head to a runoff on June 7. Nine of the 10 districts have contested elections. Alan Blaylock is running unopposed in District 10.
Early voting for the May 3 election runs from April 22-April 29.
Kenneth Bowens Jr
Age: 34
Campaign website: bowensfordistrict5.com
Best way for voters to reach you: info@bowensfordistrict5.com
Occupation: District Operations Supervisor
Education: Some College Credits
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): Yes For Fort Worth Mayor In 2023
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth: FWISD Community Taskforce For Faculties& Planning, Eastside YMCA Advisory Board Member
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: N/A
Why do you want this job?: I Want To Bring Equity And Inclusion To All The The Residents Of District 5, I believe some areas and residents of the district don’t have voice and get overlooked and I want them to be have a say so
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?: Capital Infrastructure, Public Safety, Community Initiatives
What does it mean to be a successful council member?: Advocating For Your District And Providing The Services Which The Residents Need
What are the biggest challenges facing District 5?: Lack Of Funding For Community Services
What are the biggest opportunities facing District 5?: Making Sure We Included All Residents Of The District
What are the district’s biggest needs heading into the 2026 Bond, and how will you make sure they get addressed?: Advocating For More Funding For More Future Capital Projects
What role (if any) should the city play in addressing literacy struggles in the Fort Worth school district?: A Huge Role And Also Work On Joint Partnership With The School Districts To Create More Literacy Initiatives And City Funded Programs
What concrete steps will you take to address affordable housing in Fort Worth?: I will go to council to advocate for the proper funding with a council proposal to put towards affordable housing funding
What are the most important qualities for the person who replaces outgoing Police Chief Neil Noakes?: Good Communication Skills , Someone Who Is Very Transparent, Also Someone Who Going To Have Integrity
What else would you like to share with District 5 residents about your vision for the city that we haven’t asked?: I will always advocate for the entire district 5 area and make sure they will have a voice at city hall
Marvin Jose Diaz
Age: 64
Campaign website: [none yet]
Best way for voters to reach you: diazfordistrict5@gmail.com
Occupation: Financial Controller
Education: MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. BS Business Adminstration in Aviation from Florida Institute of Technology. FAA-certificated commercial pilot.
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): No, this is my first time.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth: Working six days a week, 60 hours a week doesn’t leave much time for activism,,,but here in the past three years I have been the secretary/treasurer of my home owner association and I have also worked closely with FTW Transportation and Public Works to improve the aesthetics of Trinity Blvd: grass mowing by the property owners, properly lit street lights and getting signage replace at critical street corners.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: None. I am self-funded
Why do you want this job?: The time is right at this stage in my life to give back to my community using the knowledge I have gained over the past 40 years in the aviation industry, 26 of those at the world’s largest airline (also based in District 5). Objectives for my first two-year tenure include sharing experiences on living within an established budget and critically evaluating city projects on the basis of costs vs. benefits to be achieved. I want to fully integrate myself with the city council team and work closely with ALL city managers to properly represent my constituents in District 5.
I am a first-generation American of Central American immigrant parents. Given that we only spoke Spanish at home, I am fully bi-lingual in English/Spanish. I am at fully at home in both the Hispanic and American cultures and can truly identify with the needs of ALL of my constituents in District 5.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?:
1] Making clean, safe & family-friendly neighborhoods available to EVERYONE. This includes catching up on repairing our streets, our street lights, our school zone safety markings, and that we have the right coverage of first responders for us in District 5.
2] Supporting our residents to ensure equal access to schools [public and charter] and also to healthcare and food security opportunities.
3] Attracting economic investment to District 5 to improve job security and pay which in turn will lift our residents out of rental properties and into their own homes.
What does it mean to be a successful council member?: A successful council member needs to have natural leadership abilities to inspire their constituents by showing the ability to get things done for their district. The successful council members need to therefore have team working abilities (with their fellow council members and with the mayor of the city) as well as have professional/real world experience to go toe-to-toe with the city management staff.
The city council is the board of directors for the city and as such needs to bring real world leadership and business skills to the table to direct the city’s limited financial and people resources in an optimal way for the city as a whole and for each of its 11 districts.
What are the biggest challenges facing District 5?: The greatest need of Fort Worth and my district is to remain competitive in attracting new
economic development. This will benefit ALL residents when it comes to opening new job opportunities, funding public schools, and allowing the city to continue investing in its very important infrastructure maintenance and future upgrades.
Without economic growth, we cannot maintain nor improve where we live. Without economic growth we cannot have safe and clean neighborhoods nor successful public schools to prepare our kids for future independence. Without economic growth we cannot basic businesses [like grocery stores] which have chosen to open doors outside District 5.
What are the biggest opportunities facing District 5?: District 5 is in the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth universe! On the eastern side of District 5, we are at the front door of DFW airport and also where north-south Highway 360 joins the main east-west arteries of Highway 183, Interstate 30 and Interstate 20. We also have Interstate 820 connecting the same arteries on the western side of District 5. What a great place to be. What a great “sales tool” to bring in more businesses to set up shop in District 5 and pump more money into our property tax revenues to keep pushing down the property taxes of those of us who already live here in District 5.
What are the district’s biggest needs heading into the 2026 Bond, and how will you make sure they get addressed?: The 2026 Bond is for major projects across the city. In district 5, we need roads widened to relieve traffic congestion & support the growing density of businesses and residences. We also need MORE buses to expand the availability of public transportation. And let’s make sure we have enough healthcare centers for our growing population.
These get address by staying involved with the city from the very beginning of the Bond process, but first, listening closely to the priorities of the residents of District 5. That you get by hosting townhalls throughout the District 5.
What role (if any) should the city play in addressing literacy struggles in the Fort Worth school district?: Seven out of 10 students in District 5 are not at their state-determined reading or math skill levels calculated through standardized testing. Of all the things that affect these scores, only one - quality of instruction - is on the list of where the city council can help. School independent districts control quality of instruction, but the city council can address literacy struggles by influencing to the extent possible: year-round access to books and reading materials at public libraries, influencing a supportive home environment (through clean, safe, vibrant neighborhoods to reduce family stress), and continuing to build community awareness that the main way to prepare your children for the future, for when “they leave the nest”, is by keeping education priority #1 at home.
What concrete steps will you take to address affordable housing in Fort Worth?: First, We have great a Neighborhood Services Department in the city of Fort Worth but not everyone knows where to turn for needed housing, community and social services help. We need to make sure our residents know where to turn for existing federal, state and city financial assistance. The city has also built alliances with private financial services as well. All this is available through one-stop shopping with Neighborhood Services.
Finally, this is a longer term project because to make housing affordable (whether rented or purchased) we need to lift average family incomes. That the council members can do by leveraging all the great things about Fort Worth to attract businesses from across the country and the world to invest HERE to bring higher wages for our constituents.
What are the most important qualities for the person who replaces outgoing Police Chief Neil Noakes?: Community engagement.
Listen to what we have to say as residents so that we are all aligned when it comes to safety and security priorities. Once solution does not fit the entire city to protect lives and property. Let’s get the community engagement police officers to be the new chief’s eyes and ears so that each neighborhood’s, each district’s solutions are tailor-made and adapted as necessary.
What else would you like to share with District 5 residents about your vision for the city that we haven’t asked?: Fort Worth is a great place to call home. Through my working career I have traveled throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and all of Latin America - probably visited 85 cities in all. I can promise you that there is no better place to call home than Fort Worth with all its history and attractions and small western town feel. As the elected District 5 council representative, I will work hard at learning everything I need to know about District 5 and represent all 98,000 residents to the best of my abilities to keep the district safe, clean and vibrant.
Mary Kelleher
Age: 62
Campaign website: https://www.maryfortworth.com
Best way for voters to reach you: Email: mary@maryfortworth.com
Occupation: Assistant Court Coordinator (Tarrant County)
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology with Minor in Spanish (fluent in Spanish), University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut / Master of Educational Psychology, American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts / Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): 2013 – 2017 Board of Directors, Tarrant Regional Water District (elected) | 2017 Board of Directors, Tarrant Regional Water District (sought) | 2019 Board of Directors, Tarrant Regional Water District (sought) | 2021 – 2025 Board of Directors, Tarrant Regional Water District (elected)
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth: Current member, former secretary of John T. White Neighborhood Association
I brought attention to flooding and failing stormwater ordinances in our neighborhood.
I highlighted failing Railroad Commission practices and testified at the Sunset Advisory Commission.
Worked with neighbors to defeat the placement of gas compressor stations in our neighborhood.
Worked with neighbors to defeat the placement of a concrete plant in FW District 5.
Worked with neighbors to defeat multiple harmful zoning changes in our neighborhood and District.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: American Express v. Mary Kelleher, unknown to me, my brother took out an American Express account under my name. Dismissed.
Mary Kelleher, et al. v. Morris and Enterprise Texas Pipeline. Dismissed for Want of Prosecution.
Mary Kelleher, et al. v. LGI Homes, Inc. et al. Active.
As a member of the Board of Directors of TRWD, I have been a respondent to various lawsuits in that capacity.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: Wayne Arendsee (Neighbor) Montgomery Bennett (Friend/Hotelier) Donnie Nelson (Former Mavericks Coach)
Why do you want this job?: I’m running for District 5 because our community needs accountable leadership. After catastrophic flooding devastated my ranch, I fought for transparency and stronger flood control at the Tarrant Regional Water District. I want to bring more thoughtful zoning practices, fresh amenities, and an open-door policy to District 5. I’m not a politician; I’m just a concerned citizen ready to serve neighbors, not special interests.
I’ve made it a priority to personally respond to every message or phone call from constituents, and many were surprised that I took the time to reach out myself. I’m running to serve every resident of our diverse District 5 as a proven leader who genuinely listens and collaborates to address their concerns. I always strive to do what’s right, even under pressure, and apply common-sense solutions to the issues we may face.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?:
#1 Promote Transparency and Accountability: I believe in open-door communication and honest governance so every resident feels heard and informed about decisions that affect our District.
#2 Ensure Smart, Sensible Development: We need to attract needed amenities while holding developers accountable for projects that respect our community’s character, preserve green space, and improve quality of life, finding budget inefficiencies to lower Property Taxes.
#3 Public Safety & Quality City Services: Without better public safety (Police & Fire), there’s less possibility for high-quality economic development to make economic sense; with low-quality or outdated infrastructure, development can’t prosper. I intend to fight for District 5’s share of resources to improve the residents’ quality of life.
What does it mean to be a successful council member?: Listening to constituents, stakeholders, and community input to make our voices heard at the Council while balancing competing interests of other council members to bring rational discussion and mutual understanding to move ALL of Fort Worth Forward.
What are the biggest challenges facing District 5?: Public Safety: for too long as a City, we have ignored the urgent needs of our first responders. Our firefighters and incoming paramedics lack the best possible equipment, and crime has been a growing issue in Ryanwood, Handley, and Carver Heights/Stop Six. Our police department is stretched thin in our District, increasing response times.
District 5 and Fort Worth need infrastructure investment. Growth in Fort Worth has skyrocketed, and the aging infrastructure can’t handle the current population, let alone the demands of rapid growth. I will ask my fellow city councilpersons to support slowing down new cookie-cutter residential construction to address the lack of infrastructure. We need to balance development and environmental conservancy; District 5 has the city’s most significant portion of forests and wetlands. Our roads are damaged, while the City seems to rapidly invest W of 35 and in the Northern suburbs. Residents want their fair share of investment and business promotion.
What are the biggest opportunities facing District 5?: District 5 is a tight-knit community with low resident turnover, and property is still somewhat affordable. We must preserve our heritage, protect our environment, and have balanced development to bring much-needed businesses, jobs, and investment to East Fort Worth.
What are the district’s biggest needs heading into the 2026 Bond, and how will you make sure they get addressed?: As someone who’s lived through the flooding, the neglect, and the broken promises, I know District 5 has been left behind for too long. When the 2026 bond comes up, I won’t let it become another late and overbudget giveaway while our streets and neighborhoods crumble. I’ll fight to make sure we get quality infrastructure. I’ll push for better drainage, fixed roads, working streetlights, and sidewalks where kids can walk safely. I’ll demand investments in fire/police stations, parks, and green spaces on the East Side. And I’ll fight for transparency so every bond dollar is accounted for and spent where it’s needed most. I’ve exposed corruption and cronyism before and am not afraid to do it again. District 5 deserves better, and I’ll make sure we finally get our fair share.
What role (if any) should the city play in addressing literacy struggles in the Fort Worth school district?: Fort Worth City Council must partner with FWISD, Charter Schools, Private Schools, and ALL education providers to ensure our children receive the highest quality education. City Council should partner in programs to prioritize literacy, intervention, and normalizing trade programs. City Council must hold FWISD officials accountable in their mission to improve ISD schools. Without high-quality education, all other development efforts can’t bring high-earning jobs and public safety to Fort Worth.
What concrete steps will you take to address affordable housing in Fort Worth?: Fort Worth’s City Council’s Neighborhood Conservation Plan and Housing Affordability Strategy appears to be a promising way to address housing across income levels and geographical locations. I will support the expansion of housing rehabilitation programs, eviction diversion programs, and innovative development opportunities to encourage the use of incentives for developers who build in Neighborhood Empowerment zones.
What are the most important qualities for the person who replaces outgoing Police Chief Neil Noakes?: The new police chief must balance empathy and compassion, while holding a strong, data-driven approach to making tough decisions under pressure. The new chief must be an outstanding communicator with integrity, strategic thinking, and the ability to build trust between the community and our Police Officers. This hiring is one of the most consequential decisions Fort Worth faces. We must ensure a transparent process.
What else would you like to share with District 5 residents about your vision for the city that we haven’t asked?: Fort Worth is growing fast, but that growth benefits developers and downtown insiders too often, while neighborhoods like ours in District 5 are ignored. My vision is a city that works for everyone, not just the well-connected. That means safe neighborhoods, responsible development, and infrastructure that meets our needs. It means better communication from city leaders and absolute transparency so residents can follow the money and hold us accountable. I’ll keep fighting for the basics: police, property tax relief, parks, potholes, and zoning that respects homeowners. I don’t make backroom deals, and I’m not here to climb the political ladder. I’m here to serve my neighbors. Together, we can make Fort Worth fairer, stronger, and more responsive to ALL our residents.
Michael Moore
Age: 67
Campaign website: mooreforfortworth.com
Best way for voters to reach you: Email: moore@mooreforfortworth.com
Occupation: Pastor, New Bethel Complete in Christ Church
Education: I am a graduate of Polytechnic Senior High School, attended Tarrant County College and Southern Bible College.
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): No
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth:
Former President of the NAACP, Hopkins County
Former Grand Jury Co-Chair, Grayson County
Founder and President of the Historic Stop Six Neighborhood Association
Former Board Member, Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission, Place 5
Current Vice Chair, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Place 5
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: Only at the misdemeanor level. Twenty-five years ago, there was a case in which I went through deferred adjudication, after which the charges were dismissed.
One of my opponents has made several disgraceful statements about things occurring over the last 24 years. In each of those events mentioned by the opponents, law enforcement looked at the issue and elected immediately not to go forward with prosecution. A political opponent acting in 2025 as if I were prosecuted, much less convicted, over the last 24 years is an untrue smear intended to damage me for political gain.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: For the Fort Coalition, Wallace Hall and Will Northern
Why do you want this job?: As president of our Neighborhood Association, I’ve ensured our community’s voice shapes its future. As a Parks Board Member, I’ve tirelessly advocated for the city’s Master Parks Plan. As a Historic and Cultural Landmark Commissioner, I’ve preserved the East Side’s rich heritage. Serving as Mayor Pro Tem Gyna Bivens’ Second Chair has honed my ability to drive real change. With 40 years as a pastor, I’ve been a dedicated community servant. I want this job because I’m ready to lead District 5 with experience, passion, and a proven commitment to progress.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?:
Ensuring safe neighborhoods for all.
Supporting clean, well-maintained parks.
Driving economic growth and infrastructure improvements.
This means fostering business development—both existing and new—to create jobs, expand the commercial tax base, and add community amenities.
Every District 5 resident deserves safety, green spaces, and good-paying jobs to strengthen the East Side.
What does it mean to be a successful council member?: A successful council member is the district’s strongest advocate. Politics can divide, but collaboration drives progress. My measure of success is securing investment and partnership from Fort Worth into District 5’s businesses and neighborhoods. I’ll work tirelessly to champion residents and business owners, ensuring safer streets, better infrastructure, and a stronger tax base through citywide cooperation.
What are the biggest challenges facing District 5?: District 5’s greatest challenge is its lack of a clear identity. What isn’t defined can’t be measured or improved. Unlike other parts of Fort Worth, the East Side lacks a unified, recognized presence. As council member, I’ll establish and promote our identity, laying the groundwork for lasting, meaningful change in our community.
What are the biggest opportunities facing District 5?: District 5 is brimming with potential—hidden gems like Gateway Park, Eugene McCray Park, Texas Wesleyan University, and the Wedding District offer spaces to work and play. Developments like East Lancaster and Woodhaven signal growth in commercial and residential opportunities. With strong leadership, these assets can reach their full potential, benefiting residents and elevating Fort Worth as a whole.
What are the district’s biggest needs heading into the 2026 Bond, and how will you make sure they get addressed?: District 5’s top needs for the 2026 bond are infrastructure and park upgrades. Our streets are crumbling, and the annual budget can’t keep up with repairs. A bond can fund critical street and sidewalk improvements. Our parks, vital community hubs, also need capital projects—like the Gateway Park Amphitheater I championed—to enhance their use. I’ll prioritize these by engaging residents at every community meeting, amplifying their voices to ensure the city addresses our needs.
What role (if any) should the city play in addressing literacy struggles in the Fort Worth school district?: I commend Mayor Mattie Parker for spotlighting Fort Worth’s literacy crisis. City, county, and school leaders are now raising awareness, and the ISD is taking steps forward. Literacy is a civil right—crucial for learning and earning, especially for disadvantaged students. The city should partner community resources and spaces to provide kids with extra literacy support, complementing school efforts. On council, I’ll collaborate with Mayor Parker to make this a priority.
What concrete steps will you take to address affordable housing in Fort Worth?: While the market drives housing costs, the city can ease barriers. I support the current efforts to reform the permitting process and maintaining low property taxes. The East Side’s relative affordability is an asset we can build on, creating opportunities for residents. I’ll push for policies that encourage development without pricing people out, ensuring housing remains within reach.
What are the most important qualities for the person who replaces outgoing Police Chief Neil Noakes?: The next police chief must grasp District 5’s diverse dynamics to sustain Chief Noakes’ legacy of safety and trust. Safety is paramount on the East Side. We need a leader who’ll expand community policing and the neighborhood police officer program, fostering positive relationships with residents and neighborhood leaders.
What else would you like to share with District 5 residents about your vision for the city that we haven’t asked?: I want District 5 residents to know that my vision is rooted in equity, opportunity, and unity. Every neighborhood deserves safe streets, quality services, thriving businesses, and places where families can grow with dignity. My commitment is to bring the voices of the underserved into the decision-making space, champion smart development that doesn’t displace but uplifts, and build bridges between generations, communities, and sectors.
This isn’t just about politics—this is personal. I’ve walked these streets, led through seasons of growth and struggle, and I believe now is our time to build a future that honors our past and invests in our potential. I’m not running for a title—I’m stepping forward for the people.
Deborah Peoples
Did not respond.
Bob Willoughby
Did not respond.
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