Three candidates are running for Austin's District 1 City Council seat in the May 2026 election, and all three have made Mueller infrastructure a central issue — though they disagree sharply on what "infrastructure" means and who should pay for it.
The seat is being vacated by Natasha Harper-Madison, who is term-limited after serving since 2019. District 1 covers northeast Austin, including Mueller, Windsor Park, St. John, and Georgian Acres.
The Candidates
Maria Gonzalez, 44, is a former city housing policy analyst and Mueller resident. She is running on a platform of affordable housing preservation and transit investment, arguing that Mueller's next phase of development should prioritize bus service over parking infrastructure. Gonzalez has been endorsed by the Austin Democrats and the Austin chapter of the Sierra Club.
James Wu, 52, is a small business owner who runs an insurance agency on Airport Boulevard. Wu's platform emphasizes public safety, traffic management, and controlled growth. He has proposed a moratorium on high-density zoning changes in Mueller until the city completes a comprehensive traffic study. Wu has been endorsed by the Austin Police Association and the Austin Board of Realtors.
DeAndre Williams, 37, is a community organizer and former AISD school board candidate. Williams is running on a racial equity platform, arguing that Mueller's growth has accelerated displacement of longtime East Austin residents. He has proposed a "community benefit agreement" requirement for all new developments over 50 units. Williams has been endorsed by Austin DSA and Workers Defense Project.
Where They Stand on Key Issues
On Mueller zoning: Gonzalez supports the recent seven-story approval and would push for higher affordability requirements in future rezoning. Wu would pause further density increases pending traffic analysis. Williams supports density only with binding community benefit agreements.
On transit: Gonzalez proposes a direct bus route connecting Mueller to the Crestview MetroRail station. Wu favors road capacity improvements over transit investment. Williams supports expanded bus service and a community shuttle funded by developer fees.
On affordable housing: Gonzalez would increase Mueller's affordability requirement from 12 to 20 percent. Wu says the current requirement is adequate and opposes mandates that increase construction costs. Williams proposes a community land trust to acquire and permanently protect affordable parcels.
How to Vote
The District 1 election is May 2, 2026. Early voting runs April 20-28 at multiple locations, including the Mueller community room at 4550 Mueller Boulevard. Election Day polling locations will be announced by Travis County in April.
Voter registration deadline is April 2, 2026. Register online at votetexas.gov or in person at the Travis County Tax Office.
A candidate forum is scheduled for March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road.