By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
The City of McAllen announced May 9 that Michael Fallek won the District 5 special election with a majority of the vote, according to unofficial results from the May 2 election.
The city said it completed the tabulation of all ballots, including early voting, election-day, provisional, and cured mail-in ballots. Fallek received 573 votes, followed by Felida Villarreal with 411 votes and Mark Murray with 159 votes.
According to the city, the unofficial results show Fallek secured a majority of the votes, meaning a runoff election will not be required. The results are expected to become official after canvassing on Monday, May 11.
In a statement issued May 9, Fallek said he was “truly humbled and grateful for the support” he received and described District 5 as “the heart of McAllen.” He said he was “absolutely ready to get to work, to build on our successes, and to realize McAllen’s full potential.”
Fallek also acknowledged his opponents and outgoing leadership, saying Mark Murray and Felida Villarreal “deserve immense respect for the time and energy they poured into our community.” He also thanked Seby Haddad for “years of exceptional service to District 5 and all of McAllen.”
Felida Villarreal congratulated Fallek in a statement issued May 9, saying, “I want to sincerely congratulate Michael Fallek on his victory. I wish him great success as he serves our community and represents District 5.”
Villarreal said she was proud of her campaign and thanked supporters, volunteers, donors, friends, family members, and voters. “Although this election has ended, my commitment to serving our community has not,” she said. “McAllen will always be home, and I look forward to continuing to give back and stay involved in meaningful ways.”
