Chris Watts takes Denton mayor's race by 47 votes in tight runoff election, final but unofficial returns show

Former Mayor Chris Watts edged out Brian Beck by 47 votes in Saturday's Denton mayoral runoff, with more than 15,400 residents casting ballots, according to final but unofficial results. 

Watts received 50.15% of the vote to Beck's 49.85%, with all precincts reporting. In raw totals, Watts finished with 7,738 votes, while Beck received 7,691.

Under Texas election law, an automatic recount occurs only in the case of a tie; otherwise, a candidate must formally request one.

The race advanced to a runoff after no candidate reached the 50% threshold in the May 2 local election. Watts led the four‑candidate field with 44% (5,402 votes), followed by Beck with 34% (4,152 votes). Shannon Childs and Angela Brewer were eliminated.

Beck, a university professor, represents District 2 on the Denton City Council.

"I am proud to have had the highest progressive margin in 20 years while also running a positive and issues focused campaign," Beck said in a statement. "We had an amazing field and social media presence - I couldn't be prouder of what we did, the thousands of doors we knocked and the lives we touched and who touched us in return. I want to thank the thousands of voters, donors, and volunteers who shared their stories with each other - you should be so proud of what you stood up for and made happen. I am incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support I've experienced during this campaign - our sense of place and community are amazing and bind us together in ways it's hard to express.  It's been an amazing journey and I thank you all for letting me take it with you."

Watts is an attorney and small‑business owner. He previously served as Denton's mayor from 2014 to 2020 and represented District 4 on the City Council from 2007 to 2013.

The winner will take office as Denton continues to navigate growth, development pressures, and long‑term planning needs. The new mayor will succeed Gerard Hudspeth, who did not seek re‑election after serving since 2020.

CBS News Texas will provide updates as more information becomes available.