Voters in this city rejected three incumbent City Council members just one month after they voted to implement a harsh anti-trans bathroom ban, replacing one with the city's first out gay council member.

Summary

Odessa, Texas voters ousted three City Council members a month after they passed an anti-trans bathroom ban.

Craig Stoker, the city’s first openly gay council member, won an at-large seat with 56% of the vote, defeating Denise Swanner, whose campaign attacked his sexuality.

Stoker focused on infrastructure issues, while Mayor Javier Joven, a supporter of the bathroom ban, also lost reelection.

The controversial ordinance imposes fines and lawsuits for violations, sparking backlash. The local GOP declined endorsements, citing LGBTQ+ and abortion issues as state matters.

  • tb_
    1•4 hours ago

    defeating Denise Swanner, whose campaign attacked his sexuality.

    Remember when it was all about “the identity politics of the left”?