Voters on South Padre Island are heading to the polls to fill a vacant city council seat.

Early voting is underway for the Place 1 seat, which has been open since council member Ken Medders died in June.

Two candidates, Rita Hernandez and Gayle Hood, are asking voters to let them finish the term Medders left behind. 

Hernandez comes to the race with a background in education. She is a retired assistant superintendent with Brownsville ISD and has lived on the island for more than 30 years.

She says her career prepared her for some of the responsibilities that come with serving on the council.

"As a retired assistant superintendent, I'm very aware of policies, procedures. I'm very aware of budgets, allocations. I've made a whole career of working with other people’s money," Hernandez said.

Hernandez says she never thought of running for city council until after Medders' death.

“I was blessed to know him and call him a friend," Hernandez said. "I felt after talking to his family and my close friends that perhaps I would pick up the baton and finish the race that he started in the manner that he would’ve."

If elected, Hernandez says one of her priorities would be getting more island residents involved in city government.

"I think the biggest priority for me right now is to bring the community back into the government role, to give them back their voice, and to make sure they're inclusive in city committees," Hernandez said.

Hood says her connection to the island goes back decades and includes both business and public service.

"It is experience, history, and knowledge about this island. Not only have I been a realtor here for 26 years, but also my service on the economic development corporation for seven years," Hood said.

Hood currently serves as vice president of the South Padre Island Economic Development Corporation. She has also owned her own business and served in leadership roles with the realtor board, Port Isabel Chamber, and an HOA board.

Hood says her decision to run is rooted in the community she has served.

"It's because I love this place. Why would anybody run for city council if they didn't? Also, I'm an independent voice that does not have a political interest or a political alliance with anyone," Hood said.

When it comes to making decisions, Hood says she would take the same approach she has used while serving on the EDC.

"My experience has taught me to be a good mediator and negotiator. You'll see that I take an agenda item. I do my homework, and I vote for what's best for our community," Hood said.

Early voting continues through Sept. 29, 2026. Election Day is Oct. 3, 2026.

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