FATE, TX — In an unexpected political shift, Fate Mayor David Billings and Councilman Lance Megyesi have both chosen not to seek re-election, marking the end of their tenure and leaving an open field for new leadership. Adding to the surprise, Councilman Alan Robbins, whose term had expired, has also opted not to run for mayor, despite speculation that he would throw his hat into the ring.
This unforeseen shake-up will drastically reshape the city’s governing body, as voters prepare to elect a new mayor and fill two open city council seats in the upcoming May 3, 2025, general election. With these vacancies, Fate is on the brink of a major political transformation—one that could significantly alter the city’s trajectory.
A New Mayoral Contest
With Mayor Billings stepping down, the race for Fate’s top leadership position is now between Andrew Greenberg and Lorna Grove, both newcomers to the mayoral stage. The absence of an incumbent could lead to a competitive race as voters weigh the future of the city’s governance.
Crowded Fields for City Council Seats
Beyond the mayor’s race, the City Council will also see fresh faces, with both Place 4 and Place 6 up for grabs. The ballot for these positions has already drawn multiple contenders:
- Place 4: George D. Lewis, Rick Maneval, and Emily Camacho have all filed to compete for the seat. Brett Bushnell initially filed for Place 4 but later withdrew and refiled for a different position, adding to the intrigue of this race.
- Place 6: Brett Bushnell is now running for this position, facing off against Martha Huffman.
With a mix of seasoned public figures and new challengers, the upcoming election will determine the city’s governing philosophy for the next three years.
What’s at Stake?
Fate has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years, prompting ongoing debates over zoning policies, infrastructure expansion, and local government accountability. The city’s outgoing leadership played key roles in shaping Fate’s development, but with their departure, the political landscape is now wide open.
Key issues expected to dominate the election discourse include:
- Zoning and Growth Management – How will the new leadership balance economic expansion with preserving Fate’s small-town character?
- Government Transparency – Will the next administration push for stronger accountability measures and increased public engagement?
- Infrastructure and Public Safety – As Fate continues to grow, how will the new city leadership address road conditions, utilities, and emergency services?
- City Hall Shakeup – A new Council will have to consider the removal of several key employees at the city. Most notably, City Manager Michael Kovacs.
Election Timeline & Voter Information
The official ballot is set, and residents will have the opportunity to decide Fate’s future on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Key dates leading up to the election include:
- Candidate Filing Deadline: February 14, 2025
- Last Day to Register to Vote: April 3, 2025
- Early Voting Period: April 22 – April 29, 2025
- Election Day: May 3, 2025 (7 AM – 7 PM)
A New Era for Fate
With Mayor Billings and Councilmen Megyesi and Robbins stepping aside, the upcoming election will usher in a new chapter for Fate’s government. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the city’s growth, policies, and priorities for years to come. As candidates hit the campaign trail, voters will have the opportunity to steer Fate in the direction they believe best serves their community.