The race for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 was forced into a runoff Tuesday.
In unofficial final results, newcomer Jennifer Mahan-Woodall netted 684 votes, or 37.58 percent edging incumbent Carlos Chavez who got 618 votes or 33.96 percent. Challenger Steven Brennan got 518 votes, or 28.46 percent.
Mahon-Woodall and Chavez are heading for a runoff May 28.
Chavez, a longtime lawman, was seeking a full term as Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace after being named to the post in April 2023 following JP Terry Lange’s retirement.
Chavez, 59, served with the Odessa Police Department for more than 30 years and touts his background in law enforcement and his ability to conduct business in Spanish as critical qualifications to residents in the sprawling precinct.
Mahan-Woodall is an office manager at Brown Oilfield Services.
“It was a very tight race really between all three of us. I’m looking forward to the runoff …,” Mahan-Woodall said.
She added that they plan to pull up their sleeves and continue the work.
“I’m confident we’ll pull it off come May. I’m still looking to make the positive changes that are needed in precinct t 1,” Mahan-Woodall said.
