Irving residents head to the polls Saturday on three City Council races, including two open seats and one contested by an incumbent seeking reelection.
The campaign trail in the Dallas suburb has been animated by debates around Las Vegas Sands Corp., a casino giant whose proposal for a “destination resort” near the former Texas Stadium site was first publicly discussed earlier this year.
Critics of the proposal twice packed Irving City Hall to voice opposition to a proposed zoning ordinance that would permit gambling, though the practice remains illegal in Texas, and experts say legalization faces tall odds during this year’s legislative session in Austin.
Noting the pushback, Sands Corp. requested the City Council strip the gambling portion of its proposal. The amended ordinance then passed in two separate 6-3 votes.
The candidates made their pitches during a forum hosted by the Irving Community Television Network, a city-owned station. Here’s what we know.
District 1
John Bloch, the one-term incumbent representing District 1, is seeking a second term in a rematch against Tony Grimes, a former Irving ISD school board trustee.
John Bloch
Bloch, 39, works in software development. He highlighted his work during his last three years on the City Council, including his efforts, among others, to change library policies to protect minors from ”mature content,” bolster resources for the city’s public safety agencies and oppose the Sands Corp. proposal.
“I have consistently fought for the residents to make sure redevelopment makes sense and fits where it’s proposed,” Bloch said.
Tony Grimes
Grimes, 65, is the president of the Irving NAACP chapter and works as a photographer. He said his two decades of community service — coupled with a commitment not to increase property taxes and a focus on public safety — made him the best fit for the job.
“I will work closer to support our first responders, and I will be an independent voice representing your interest at City Hall,” he said.
District 2, At-Large
District 2 City Council member Brad LaMorgese did not run for reelection. This district is at-large, meaning all residents within the city limits can vote in this race.
Four names will be on Saturday’s ballot, though one of the candidates, Mark Zeske, announced he was no longer seeking the position. His decision came after the withdrawal deadline.
“Please vote for another candidate,” Zeske wrote in a post on Facebook.
Vicky Akinyi Oduk
Oduk, 50, said her experience as a working mother of three and small business owner, combined with a commitment to diversity, inclusion and community service, would guide her on the council.
Her priorities include strengthening community policing, expanding access to affordable housing and improving transparency and accountability at City Hall.
“I’m humbly asking for your votes,” she said, “because I believe that I’m a true reflection of what the city of Irving stands for, and that’s diversity, inclusion, courage and hard work.”
David Pfaff
Pfaff, 50, said his background as a retired business owner, where he managed budgets, honed his leadership skills and made tough calls, makes him the best suited for the job.
Pfaff emphasized four priorities: smart budgeting to keep taxes low, improving infrastructure, supporting public safety and fostering economic development to retain local businesses and attract new ones.
“This city raised me, and now, I’m ready to give back in a real and focused way,” he said.
Sergio Porres
Porres, 41, an IT consultant, voiced opposition to the Sands Corp. proposal, framing the election as a pivotal moment for the city’s future and its stance on the project.
He characterized himself as a fighter who would stand up to lobbyists and special interests.
“I have stood against this casino loudly and from the beginning. I stand with you,” he said. “I stand against casinos, and I stand for an Irving that remains a place for families, not for gambling.”
District 7
District 7 City Council member Kyle Taylor has served three terms, which is the term limit in the city’s charter.
Adam Muller
Muller, 47, a software architect, emphasized his Irving roots and experience in leadership, particularly in evaluating contracts and standing up to powerful interests as board president of Valor Education, a charter school network with campuses in the Austin and San Antonio metro areas.
“There will always be someone who wants to get rich off our city, regardless of the cost to our residents,” he said, “and when that happens, I will defend and protect our city from getting into these bad, long-term deals.”
Priscilla Vigliante
Vigliante, 40, said her experience in community engagement and neighborhood advocacy positions her best to serve residents. She highlighted her vote against the proposed zoning ordinance requested by Sands Corp. while serving on the city’s planning and zoning commission.
“I’m ready to keep working for safer streets, stronger neighborhoods and a better city,” she said.
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