Election Day in Arlington saw Jim Ross re-elected as mayor, alongside several new and returning members of the City Council.
The May 2, 2026, election saw Jim Ross elected to his third and final term as mayor with 50.05% of the vote, defeating Steve Cavender (39.44%), Hunter Crow (5.49%), Shaun Mallory (4.92%), and C. Phillip Dodson (0.10%). The election also saw some some shuffling in the City Council: Nikkie Hunter secured her third and final term, while Tom Ware (District 4) and Brittney Garcia-Dumas (District 5) won their respective seats. District 8 is still in a runoff between Jason Shelton and Melody Fowler.
The big story was Jim Ross versus Steve Cavender. Ross’s campaign primarily highlighted his track record, civic pride, and a broad slate of endorsements. In contrast, Cavender’s platform focused largely on critiquing the incumbent, specifically targeting rising property taxes, controversial housing policies, and the allocation of city funds. While Cavender was vocal about his positions, his often had a lack of specific, actionable plans.
Re-elect Jim Ross for Mayor
Among the various local issues, housing remains the most divisive; many residents are not thrilled about the growing number of apartment complexes. Yet, as Arlington continues to grow, we will have to do more with less and determine the most efficient ways to house more people.
Ross held a Watch Party at J. Gilligan’s inviting others who were running for office. Following the results, Mayor Ross remarked that it was a difficult and occasionally divisive race that grew contentious in its final weeks.
Ross’s mayoral tenure has seen significant momentum since his initial election in June 2021. Since then, Arlington has celebrated the opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum, attracted several new corporate headquarters, fostered job growth, and seen an overall decrease in crime. Ross aims to maintain this trajectory, specifically focusing on economic development, resident quality of life, and ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Though I’m not political, I followed this election a little more closely than others in the past, mostly to see if Ross would be re-elected and whether Brittney Garcia-Dumas, a young entrepreneur and small-business advocate, would become part of the City Council.
I like Jim Ross, especially because he’s visible in the community, and he’s been to a few events for the Arlington Historical Society. He isn’t just sitting in an office all day. Ross is active on social media and I follow him. I’ve also watched his State of the City addresses and found them to be informative and interesting. He appears genuinely invested in Arlington’s success and promotes the city with an enthusiasm that feels authentic rather than “political.”
Nonetheless, every Arlington mayor in the last 50 years has been in the shadow of Tom Vandergriff, mayor from 1951 to 1977, who accomplishment a tremendous amount and will likely remain the most influential mayor in our history. Ross has even acknowledged Vandergriff’s unattainable legacy while also trying to continue build upon the foundation he laid. Ultimately, momentum is one of Arlington’s greatest strengths. As long as those at the helm keep the city moving forward—whatever form that progress takes—Arlington will continue to thrive as a satisfying place to live.
Arlington City Council:
- Mayor: Jim Ross
- District 1 Council Member: Mauricio Galante
- District 2 Council Member: Raul H. Gonzalez
- District 3 Council Member: Nikkie Hunter
- District 4 Council Member: Tom Ware
- District 5 Council Member: Brittney Garcia-Dumas
- District 6 Council Member: Long Pham
- District 7 Council Member: Bowie Hogg
- District 8 Council Member: Either Jason Shelton or Melody Fowler (runoff election needed, results pending)
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 05-02-26
Jason S. Sullivan 