Photo: Mayor Lori Blong speaks with supporters during her election night watch party on Nov. 4. (The Permian Press)

What happened: Midland voters re-elected Mayor Lori Blong, Councilman Jack Ladd, and Councilwoman Amy Burkes Tuesday, Nov. 4. Unofficial results from the Midland County Elections Office show Blong winning a second term with 8,723 votes to challenger Judd Campbell’s 4,660.

In District 3, Councilmember Jack Ladd won a third term with 3,213 votes, ahead of challengers Shandi Williams (987) and Cheston Blank (155). District 4 Councilmember Amy Stretcher Burkes, who ran unopposed for her second term, received 3,034 votes.

What they’re saying: All three officials spoke with The Permian Press on election night.

  • Blong said she is grateful for the community’s continued confidence. “I’m really thankful for the trust and support of Midland voters,” she said. “This is a process that takes a lot of different people working together to get it accomplished, and I’m very thankful for my team and my family who have stood behind me. It really mirrors the collaboration I try to undertake in my role as mayor.”

She said the next three years will continue the priorities of her first term. “We’re going to keep our eyes on the basics,” Blong said. “Infrastructure continues to be a major focus, water and roadways, and we’ll continue our support for police and fire to ensure they have what they need to do their jobs well. We’ll stay focused on the things that matter most to Midlanders.”

  • Ladd said his re-election reflects strong community confidence and a shared direction. “I think it means the confidence of Midland, and that means the world to me,” he said. “I can’t wait to get back to work.”

He said his priorities include advancing major connectivity and infrastructure projects while maintaining fiscal responsibility. “Completing the Wildcat Trail is a huge priority for me,” he said. “I’ll continue to work to lower taxes, fight for Midland taxpayers, and look for new ways to fund projects through public-private partnerships.”

  • Burkes said she appreciates the residents who participated in the election and values the community’s continued confidence. “I think it means a lot,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed meeting a lot of new Midlanders along the way, and their support has meant more than I can say.”

    She said her focus includes transportation, economic development, and strengthening partnerships. “We have key traffic signal and road projects in District 4 that I want to see completed, as well as the full Beal Park project” she said. “We’ll work to attract new businesses while supporting the ones we have, and I plan to stay engaged at the state level on legislation that benefits Midland. There’s still important work ahead.”