One West Texas town will be picking its next mayor during an election this November.

On November 5, first-term Odessa Mayor Javier Joven will be seeking re-election. Joven, who won a contested race for the job in 2020, is facing a strong challenge from attorney Cal Hendrick.

The contest between Joven and Hendrick seems to be a continuation of recent battles at the ballot box in Odessa between several factions of local Republican leadership. Joven was elected on a conservative Republican wave in 2020, but has since been the focus of some controversy. Meanwhile, Hendrick’s challenge to Joven seems to be focusing on a pledge to bring stability back to Odessa city government.

Down ballot from the race between Joven and Hendrick, incumbent City Councilmembers Mark Matta, Denise Swanner, and Steve Thompson will also face challengers in the November election. Matta and Swanner, who have been allies of Joven, are being challenged by Eddie Mitchell and Craig Stoker, respectively. Meanwhile, Thompson is facing a challenge from Nayely Urias.