COMMERCE, Texas - The field is beginning to take shape for Commerce’s May 2, 2026, special election after Interim Mayor Stephanie Muller and City Council member Daniel Starks both filed for positions on the ballot this week.
Muller officially filed on January 14 to run for mayor, seeking a two-year unexpired term. Starks, the current holder of City Council Place Three, also filed that day, opting to run to keep the council seat rather than pursue the mayor’s position.
Starks was appointed to Place Three during a December 16, 2025, City Council meeting and will continue serving in that role until at least May 2026. That same meeting followed the resignation of former Mayor Teddy Reel, who stepped down to run for Hunt County judge. His resignation prompted the council to appoint Muller as interim mayor and fill the vacant Place Three seat with Starks.
Another seat up for election is City Council Place One, currently held by Mayor Pro Tempore Anthony Henry. As of 9:30 a.m. on the first day of the filing period, Henry had not yet filed paperwork to seek re-election.
Commerce voters will decide three races in the May 2 special election: mayor, Council Place One, and Council Place Three. Early voting is scheduled for April 20 through April 24 and April 27 through April 28 at Commerce City Hall.
The filing deadline for all three positions is 5 p.m. on February 13, 2026. Candidates must file in person by scheduling a meeting with the city secretary at City Hall. City offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents seeking additional information can contact City Hall at 903-886-1100.
