Saturday night election results in Lubbock have set the stage for several runoffs, including for Mayor and City Council.

Current Lubbock City Councilmen Mark McBrayer and Steve Massengale emerged as the top two vote-getters in the race to replace Mayor Tray Payne, though neither achieved the 50% needed to avoid a runoff.

Councilman Steve Massengale was first elected to represent Lubbock City Council District 4 in 2016. Throughout his campaign, Massengale highlighted his experience and presented himself as a steady hand ready to take over the city’s top elected position. Unofficial results placed him in second place with just under 30% of the vote.

Councilman Mark McBrayer was first elected to represent Lubbock’s City Council District 3 in 2022. In contrast to Massengale, McBrayer has pitched himself as “the choice for a new direction.” McBrayer finished in first place with just under 40% of the vote.

Adam Hernandez, a local entrepreneur who supported the failed Freedom Act Lubbock marijuana decriminalization ballot proposition, earned third place with just over 20% of the vote.

Stephen J. Sanders, Antonio “Tony” Renteria, and Kolton J. Bacon each failed to reach double digits.

The race for City Council District 2 also appears headed for a runoff, with Gordon Harris’ 43% just ahead of Anah Menjares’ 40%. Failing to advance to the runoff is Michael Lestus Mitchell, who earned 17% of the vote.

The inaugural election for Lubbock Central Appraisal District Director Place 3 also seems to be headed for a runoff, with Tom Keisling and Brant O’Hair knocking Rusty Smith out of the running.