Kirk Watson

Llanes Pulido submitted a petition Thursday for a partial recount, but it was denied. She had the option to amend her petition, but announced Friday she would not move forward. That makes current Mayor Kirk Watson the official winner.

Election experts and officials said the ballots were found as part of the system of checks and balances that help ensure that every vote is counted.

The audit found Jesús Garza used his influence to pay two former city staffers roughly $200 an hour over a 10-month stint. The issue is now before the city's ethics commission.

Signing the declarations is preemptive and allows the city and county to put resources into place to respond quickly should a fire start.

Watson has raised nearly $1 million. That’s almost nine times the second highest-earning candidate, according to campaign finance reports filed Monday.

Five people are running to be Austin's next mayor. They discussed the city's issues and future in a live forum Wednesday.

Several people filed to be candidates in City Council races as well.

While in office, Watson has been at the helm of some controversial decisions. If he is reelected he will serve a full four-year term.

Doug Greco will run against former City Council Member Kathie Tovo and East Austin community organizer Carmen Llanes Pulido. Incumbent Kirk Watson is also likely to run.

Tovo served on the council from 2011 to 2023. If elected, she would become only the second woman to serve as Austin mayor and the first in more than 40 years.