(Seguin) — A familiar face will be returning to a seat on the Seguin City Council.
Chris Aviles has defeated challenger Forrest Fletcher for the District 5 seat. Aviles, who jumped out to an early lead in Tuesday’s contest, received 387 of the votes cast while Fletcher earned only 191 votes.
Aviles is returning to the council after having originally served District 3 from 2018-2022. Aviles says he is grateful for the opportunity to again serve the citizens of Seguin and looks forward to representing a whole new group of constituents.
“It was a tough, tough competitive race. But hard work prevails. Hard work pays off, and at the end, the people’s virtues were heard, and they made the decision. Yes, it’s time to hit the pavement. It’s time to put the boots on the ground and get to work.
We have a lot of work to get done and pick up where we left off, especially when I left off back in district 3. Now it’s district number 5. So it’s a different environment, different area, and different issues that we have to kind of take head-on and spearhead. So we have a lot of work ahead of us. And when I say we, it’s myself and those who voted for me, those who supported me, and those who are going to continue to try to make a difference in the community,” said Aviles.
While the outcome is not what he had hoped for, Fletcher says he is still appreciative to those who showed up to the polls on his behalf. In a written statement to the Seguin Daily News, Fletcher says this journey was only a small part of his commitment to the Seguin community.
“I congratulate Chris Aviles and wish him well as he represents District 5. I’m disappointed, but I’m grateful to Amber, our family, and everyone who gave their time, contributed, or stood beside me. That support meant a lot to me, and I’ll remember it. Seguin is home, and I’ll keep showing up for the people here. I trust God’s plan, and I’ll keep doing my best to love my neighbor and be the man, husband, and father my family can count on,” stated Fletcher.
Following the canvassing of votes, Aviles will be sworn into office later on this month. He replaces Councilman Paul Gaytan who chose not to seek re-election.