Meet the candidates
Candidates for Place 1 include the incumbent, Matthew Mendoza, and his opponent, Chase Norris.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Hays County residents can vote at any polling place in the county. Find out more about the election.
Matthew Arnulfo Mendoza
Experience:
Analytic engineer
Occupation:
Councilmember Place 1 since 2022. Former P&Z commissioner, SMHS graduate and Rio Vista homeowner
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/matthewmendozatx
Contact Information:
512-781-6773
Why are you running for this office, and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?
Since being elected to City Council, and a member of the City’s Workforce Housing Committee, I’ve pushed for affordable, diverse and compatible housing while promoting environmental protections that will benefit our river and our community. All our citizens, renters and homeowners alike, deserve safe and affordable places to live.
What infrastructure projects would you like to see prioritized in the next term?
I believe the Sunset Acres and Barrio Pescado drainage and utility improvements should be a priority, to bring those neighborhoods up to a high standard of safety and quality of life. I also want to prioritize the Sessom Creek environmental restoration project, and the Springtown Way pedestrian and multi-modal project.
If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?
As someone who grew up in San Marcos, I’ve seen firsthand the growth we’ve experienced over the past few decades. We have a responsibility to manage growth so that our residents benefit the most, not special interests. We need to locate development where it won’t harm our rivers and environment.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
We must continue to include our Neighborhood Commission and CONA (Council of Neighborhood Associations) when dealing with important decisions. I support our ongoing Neighborhood Area Plans, and worked to adopt one for Blanco Gardens with input from residents.
How do you approach collaboration with the City Council and other stakeholders?
I have attended many Capital Area Council of Governments meetings over the past three years in order to strengthen San Marcos’s position with area policymakers. I have always been one to collaborate with community leaders here in San Marcos, whether they are elected officials or residents voicing concerns or ideas.
Chase Norris
Experience:
Urban planner, environmental protection, union advocate, community leader
Occupation:
State disaster recovery & mitigation planner, Texas General Land Office
Candidate Website:
https://www.chasenorris.org
Contact Information:
512-766-9753
Why are you running for this office, and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?
I’m running to build trust in city government and strengthen San Marcos’ future. My central issue is protecting our community from floods while creating local jobs, affordable housing, and sustainable growth rooted in fairness, transparency, and respect for residents’ voices.
What infrastructure projects would you like to see prioritized in the next term?
Flood mitigation and drainage, Edwards Aquifer protection, active transportation, road and transit improvements, and expanding parks, trails, and conservation easements that keep San Marcos safe, connected, and resilient as we grow.
If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?
Guide sustainable and equitable growth through Vision SMTX, prioritizing infill development over sprawl, housing affordability, protecting neighborhoods, preserving natural resources, and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace. Growth should strengthen community character and equity, not overwhelm it.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
Regular town halls, transparent draft agendas, neighborhood outreach, and digital engagement tools. Residents must have real opportunities to shape policy early, not just three minutes at council meetings.
How do you approach collaboration with the City Council and other stakeholders?
By listening first, building trust, and finding shared values. I’ve worked across agencies, unions, and communities to solve complex problems. Collaboration means respect, honesty, and commitment to San Marcos’ best interests above all.
