Run-off election sets slate for November, Cantu wins position

Richard Cantu won his bid for Democrat candidate for County School Trustee
Richard Cantu won his bid for Democrat candidate for County School Trustee

The May 22nd Run-off election only turned out about 1.5% of the eligible voters, but the results were significant for several races of local interest.

For Harris County School Trustee at Large, Richard Cantu won his race against Josh Wallenstein. Although it was a nail-biter, with the lead changing all night, nevertheless when all the votes were counted, Cantu had 50.25% or 26,014 votes, and Wallenstein had 49.75% or 25,780 votes. Cantu will go on to challenge the Republican candidate in the general election in November.

Cantu issued a statement thanking his supporters, as follows: “We did it!! Thanks to the voters of Harris County, I will move on to the November General Election as the Democratic nominee for Harris County School Trustee. Position 3 (AtLarge)!

This campaign was about our 3 and 4 year-olds that need someone to fight for them, for the teens that need more options to engage them afterschool, for the hardworking families that need more opportunities to earn more and can only get there by learning more, and for the indispensable teachers that deserve to have the absolute best training and resources available to be able to produce the Nation’s best!

I’m so thankful to our friends and family for their encouragement, and financial support; our campaign was successful because you believed in our vision! I’m also extremely grateful to my wife, Thelma, for her unwavering love and support throughout this adventure!

#ThankYouHarrisCounty #Cantu4HCDE#3.”

In the run-off on the Republican ticket, for Gene Green’s seat in TX-29, Phillip Aronoff won with 51.87% or 1,151 votes, and Carmen Montiel lost with 48.13% or 1,068 votes. Aronoff will face Democrat Sylvia Garcia in the general election in November.