By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
As Laguna Vista prepares for the May 2, 2026 mayoral election, voters are weighing not only the candidates’ visions for the city’s future but also the unique path that brought the current mayor into office on various social media sites. Mayor Mike (Michael) Carter and challenger Darla Jones are now facing off in a contested race, after Carter previously ran unopposed.
Carter was first elected to City Council Place 1 in 2011 before later becoming mayor in 2022 after the previous mayor left office mid-term. In small Texas cities, it is common for councils to fill a vacancy in this way, with the office appearing again on a later ballot in 2023, which he won. During the Thanksgiving holiday, Carter addressed the situation on his personal Nextdoor page, writing, “I was not ‘appointed’ Mayor… I was elected Mayor because of the 2023 election process. I did not have an opponent… It is a lot like a boxing match: if the opponent doesn’t show up, the one who did show up wins.”
Motivation and qualifications differ in background but share a focus on service. Carter points to more than a decade in city leadership and a career in public finance, including work as an auditor and school district administrator. He holds a degree in accounting, an MBA, and has passed the CPA exam. Jones brings 29 years in municipal government, including 22 as an assistant city manager, and holds a degree in public administration with minors in management and political science.
When asked what has gone well in Laguna Vista and what needs improvement, Carter highlights the creation of the city’s EMS program, park improvements, and what he describes as building a $3.2 million fund balance. Jones credits EMS service and the library as successes but says the city has fallen behind on required long-term planning documents, including a capital improvements plan and comprehensive plan required under the Home Rule Charter.
On infrastructure and growth readiness, Carter emphasizes grant-funded improvements across the city, including park upgrades, drainage work, and street projects. He also says he is working to secure a $10 million grant to help fund a future Emergency Management and Public Safety Building, describing it as the next step in strengthening emergency response as the city grows. Jones, meanwhile, focuses on long-term readiness through structured planning, water and wastewater capacity, drainage improvements, and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with development.
Regarding development and city character, Carter says Laguna Vista should preserve its small-town feel while encouraging commercial growth along Highway 100 and keeping heavy commercial activity out of the town center. Jones also supports maintaining the community’s quiet “bedroom” character and calls for a comprehensive plan to guide growth, along with expanded services such as local health care options.
On trust, transparency, and accountability, Carter points to public meetings, financial reporting, and annual independent audits, and says he plans to improve weekly city updates. Jones proposes more detailed weekly recaps of city operations and says restoring trust between residents and city leadership must be a priority.
The mayoral race, along with several Town Council seats, will appear on the May 2, 2026 ballot. The deadline to file for a place on the ballot is 5 p.m. on February 13, 2026. With both candidates now outlining their visions, voters will decide not only who leads next, but how Laguna Vista moves forward.
Editor’s note: Both candidates were invited to respond to the same set of questions for this article. Responses are presented in summary form for length and clarity.
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