BEAUMONT, Texas — The at-large councilmember race was the most crowded race on the ballot for Beaumont's municipal election with five candidates vying for two seats.
Incumbents Albert "AJ" Turner and Randy Feldschau beat their challengers Biguita Hernandez-Smith, Michael Cooper and Terry Preston Roy for the two seats.
Turner won with 39.5% of the votes.
Feldschau won with 30.3% of the votes.
Councilman Feldschau sought third term after gaining the seat in 2019. He has pastored One City Church in Beaumont for 17 years.
The councilman hopes to continue his progress on public works.
“That you have clean water to make sure you have a functioning sewer system,” Councilman Feldschau said. “To make sure your roads are drivable and make sure your first responders are supported and resourced."
Feldschau is committed to the city's growth and development.
"80 billion dollars of industrial projects coming into this area and so there is a unique opportunity their for economic development, and numerical growth. I believe these next 10 years are going to take experience leadership," he said.
Councilman Turner gained the seat in 2021. He previously worked as a parole officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for seven years.
Turner says throughout his first term, he feels he's made tremendous strides.
"Like putting a grocery store in a food dessert that was in the north end. Like youth engagement. I stepped up and I lead a youth council, as well as had other youth initiatives like a talent show. I think it's important that we look at the tangible things," he said.
Voters in Beaumont also made decisions on mayor and two other council seats.
Roy West will become the next mayor of Beaumont after beating incumbent Robin Mouton with 52% of the vote or 8,427 votes.
The city’s council will now be entirely made up of men for the first time in many years.
Taylor S. Neild, Sr. glides into a third term as the Ward One councilmember by beating Taher Quraishi with 75% of the vote.
Mike Getz ran unopposed and will continue to hold the Ward Two council seat in Beaumont.
Getz has been an attorney in Beaumont for more than 30 years. He has served on city council for more than 20 years having first taken office in 2011.
Ward Three councilmember Audwin Samuel will continue in his spot after beating Dr. Carlton Sharp and Geary Senigaur Jr. with 55% of the vote or 1,434 votes.
Samuel holds the title of longest serving councilmember, having served from 1984 – 1993 and from 1999 to now.
Charles “Chris” Durio, Jr. also ran unopposed and will continue to hold the Ward Four council seat in Beaumont.
Durio took office in 2021 taking Robin Mouton’s seat after she was elected mayor. He spent more than 30 years serving the City of Beaumont as a firefighter retiring as a captain in 2017.
Following Saturday’s election and once any new members are sworn in the makeup of Beaumont’s city council will be…
- Mayor
- Roy West
- At-Large Councilmembers
- Albert "A.J." Turner
- Randy Feldschau
- Ward One Councilmember
- Taylor S. Neild, Sr.
- Ward Two Councilmember
- Mike Getz (unopposed)
- Ward Three Councilmember
- Audwin Samuel
- Ward Four Councilmember
- Charles “Chirs” Durio, Jr. (unopposed)