User:Windorrum/2023 New Braunfels mayoral election

The 2023 New Braunfels mayoral election was held on May 6, 2023, to elect the mayor of New Braunfels, Texas. Neal Linnartz defeated 3 candidates to become the Mayor of New Braunfels.

The election was officially non-partisan, with its winner being elected to a three-year term.

Incumbent Mayor Rusty Brockman did not seek re-election to a second term in office. Brockman was first elected in 2020.

Declared

 * Michael French, intelligence analyst and candidate for U.S. House in 2022
 * George Green, former city councilor and candidate for State House in 2022
 * Neal Linnartz, attorney
 * Edward Martinez Jr., army veteran

Declined

 * Rusty Brockman, incumbent mayor

Michael French
French is a proponent of conserving water in Landa Park and the Comal Springs. On the issue of crime, he supports the development of a Crime Control and Prevention District. For transportation, French supports the expansion of the Alamo Regional Transit (ART).

On social issues, French opposes drag shows in the presence of children. He has also stated he would fire school board members if they allowed pornographic material in school libraries.

George Green
A fiscal conservative, Green supports tax cuts and a limited city government. Green is a proponent of high-speed rail and advocates for the expansion of Alamo Regional Transit, Uber, and Lyft transportation, as well as bringing taxis into New Braunfels. Green supports improving mobility and accessible employment for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income residents.

Green is also a proponent of improving AI technology. On social issues, Green opposes drag shows in the presence of children and pornographic material in children's sections of libraries.

Neal Linnartz
Linnartz advocates for an increased relationship with the Texas Department of Transportation in regard to transportation issues, as well as increased funding for the expansion of lanes, sidewalks, and the development of more roads.

Linnartz was questioned about his previous opposition to creating a Crime Control and Prevention District. However, he has since supported the idea. On social issues, Linnartz opposes drag shows in the presence of children and pornographic material in children's sections of libraries.

Edward Martinez Jr.
Edward Martinez Jr.'s campaign has prioritized accountability, transparency, and leadership as top campaign issues. Compared to his other opponents, Martinez has emphasized a more people-focused campaign than an issue-based campaign.

On social issues, Martinez opposes drag shows in the presence of children.

Debates and forums
On April 17, 2023, the New Braunfels Conservatives hosted a mayoral debate. The debate was held by Colombus Club and moderated by Luke Macias. All four candidates attended.