SAN MARCOS, Texas - While the election cycle has ended for San Marcos mayor and City Council Place 6, those running for Place 4 and 5 are still heavy on the campaign trail.

  • Campaigning for Place 5 in San Marcos continues
  • Candidate Rick Henderson looking to embrance city growth 
  • Candidate Jocabed "Joca" Marquez seeks to represent the marginalized 

Vying for the seat vacated by Place 5 council member Scott Gregson are candidates Rick Henderson and Jocabed "Joca" Marquez. Gregson is not seeking re-election.

Rick Henderson has lived in the city 27 years, currently teaches political science at Texas State and has served on boards and commissions.

"I wanted to run to sort of bridge these gaps that we have in the city between the status quo and those that understand that we need to embrace growth. We're really building a San Marcos for the next generation and generation after that," Henderson said.

Joca Marquez has been in San Marcos six years, teaches at Texas State and serves as a research analyst.

"I represent a sector of the community that mostly often gets marginalized and they don't have a voice or a seat at the table, being that I represent the Hispanic community, being that I represent women, being that I represent Latinas in general," Marquez said.

Marquez has a host of priorities if she's elected to council, including affordable housing, being responsive to student needs, achieving no-kill shelter status, revitalizing downtown and legacy neighborhoods and stewardship of the river.

"That's important to me, not because I'm running or it's a platform point but because my indigenous ancestors have been here for so long so it's more of a moral obligation," Marquez said.

Henderson also believes in river stewardship, and wants to bring a hotel downtown to promote tourism. He also says he wants to champion non-student housing options for young professionals and families that want to stay here.

"Making sure I can be a stalwart for making sure that as the city grows, we have adequate police and fire protection, we promote the arts, and we manage growth appropriately without denying small business growth," Henderson said.

Early voting is now through December 7, with runoff election day on December 11. For a list of polling locations, click here