Fort Worth Mayoral Race 2021: A Look at the Candidates and Their Platforms

Fort Worth Mayoral Race Heats Up with Progressive Democrats and Conservative Candidates

As the race for Fort Worth’s next mayor heats up, the political landscape is divided between progressive Democrats and conservative candidates vying for the city’s top office. With the departure of Mayor Betsy Price, who declined to seek a sixth term, the field is wide open for a new leader to take the reins.

Leading the charge for progressive Democrats is Deborah Peoples, the chairman of the Tarrant County Democratic Party. Peoples, who ran against Price in 2019 and garnered 42% of the vote, is aiming to become the city’s first Black mayor. She has garnered support from Democratic heavyweights like U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson and State Sen. Royce West.

On the conservative side, candidates like Brian Byrd and Mattie Parker are making their case to voters. Byrd, a former Arlington Heights graduate turned family medicine practitioner, is focusing on economic development, education, and public safety. Parker, the former chief of staff to Mayor Betsy Price, has raised the most funds among her peers and enjoys endorsements from Price and other establishment figures.

In addition to the frontrunners, there are long-shot candidates like Steve Penate, a real estate broker and pastor, who is running on a platform of Christian, conservative values. Penate has garnered support from the church constituency and has been vocal about not supporting an LGBTQ agenda.

As the campaign unfolds, the candidates are making their pitches to voters, highlighting their priorities and visions for the city. Whether Fort Worth will elect a progressive Democrat or a conservative candidate remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the race for mayor is shaping up to be a competitive and engaging contest.