Kirk P. Watson
NONPARTISAN
Kirk P. Watson is running for Austin Mayor Runoff.
Political background
Kirk P. Watson is the current mayor of Austin, having returned to office in January 2023 after previously serving as mayor starting in 1997. He also served more than 13 years in the Texas Senate.
Sources:
Candidate website
Professional background
Kirk has worked as an attorney.
Sources:
Candidate website
Personal background
Kirk earned a bachelor's degree from Baylor University and a law degree from Baylor Law School, where he graduated first in his class. He and his wife of 45 years, Liz, have 2 adult children and 2 grandchildren. Kirk is a cancer survivor.
Sources:
Candidate website
Candidates (2)
These are the candidates running for this office.
Public Services
Supports preserving local culture and community values.
Supports the Austin Hindu community, saying: "The welcomeness, compassion, and dedication to service taught [at the Austin Hindu Temple] is a model for what all of Austin should be.
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Public Safety
Supports better pay and improvements to help Austin's police department.
Believes in improving public safety by addressing the staffing crisis at the 911 call center.
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Energy & the Environment
Plans to implement strategies to address climate change, including shutting down the coal-powered Fayette Power Plant by 2029.
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Transportation & Infrastructure
Supports building a construction workforce to improve infrastructure.
Supports infrastructure improvements such as revitalizing downtown Austin, opening Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and preserving open spaces.
Supports the long-term protection of Austin’s water supply.
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Housing & Urban Development
Wants to make Austin more affordable to help address homelessness.
Believes Austin has improved its efforts to shelter homeless individuals during cold weather, saying "this year is different."
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