Who's Running Dripping Springs? A Guide to the 2026 City Election

If local government feels like a background hum in your day-to-day life, the 2026 Dripping Springs City Election is a good reason to turn up the volume. Three seats are on the ballot this May, and the filing window just closed.

Here is what you need to know.

What's on the Ballot

Voters will decide on three City Council positions this spring:

• Mayor
• Place 2
• Place 4

Filing closed on February 13, so the candidate field is set. The City of Dripping Springs is expected to release the official candidate list soon — watch the city website and local outlets like the Dripping Springs Century News for confirmation.

Why This Election Matters

Dripping Springs is not the same city it was five years ago. The population has grown significantly, development decisions have become more complex, and the issues coming before City Council have gotten bigger.

A few of the things on the city's plate right now:

Wastewater capacity. The city just transitioned to managing its own wastewater billing directly, taking over from DSWSC. That transition is underway now — first bills expected this month. How the city handles infrastructure growth is a central question for the next council.

Development. Recent months have seen annexations (like the 14-acre Tri Pointe Homes tract on Creek Road), new zoning decisions, and ongoing pressure from growth along the US 290 corridor. These decisions shape what Dripping Springs looks like for decades.

Traffic and roads. The US 290 expansion study, the FM 150/Ranch Road 12 roundabout, and Fitzhugh Road improvements are all in motion. The next mayor and council members will have a voice in how this city grows — and how you get around in it.

How City Council Works Here

Dripping Springs has a council-manager form of government, which means City Council sets policy and the City Manager handles day-to-day operations. The Mayor leads council meetings and represents the city, but holds one vote like the other members.

Council meets regularly (next up: March 17 at 6:00 PM) and decisions often come down to a handful of people. Your vote for Mayor and two council seats is a meaningful one.

What to Watch For

• Official candidate announcements — the city will post the certified candidate list at cityofdrippingsprings.com
• Candidate forums — local groups like the Chamber and Century News often host these ahead of May elections
• Voter registration — the deadline to register to vote in the May election is typically about 30 days before election day

We will update this post as candidate information becomes available. In the meantime, if you have thoughts on who should be running these three races, the best thing you can do is stay engaged — and make sure you're registered.