TYLER, Texas — Petra Hawkins will be the next Tyler District 2 city councilwoman following the June 15 runoff election.
Hawkins came out as the winner in the race with Stephen Dinger. The candidates were in a runoff after no candidate received a majority of the votes during a three-person race in the May 4 municipal election.
Hawkins received 508 votes, or 52.70% and Dinger received 456 votes, or 47.30%.
She was later sworn in on Wednesday, July 10. The District 2 seat was held by Councilman Broderick McGee since 2018. He is serving his third and final term.
"Congratulations to Petra for her victory today," Dinger said in a statement. "We are fortunate to live in a city where dedicated people volunteer their time to serve. Although my future will not be serving as a member of City Council, I will remain involved in our community. Great things are happening in Tyler, Texas, and I’m excited to be a part of it!"
Hawkins was born and raised in Tyler, and she attended Tyler ISD schools. She graduated from John Tyler High School in 1989. She later attended Tyler Junior College. She became a licensed vocational nurse, and six years later, she obtained the title of registered nurse. She later pursued real estate by becoming a professional Texas real estate agent in 2022.