Hyundai of El Paso President Oscar Leeser will soon add the title Mayor Leeser to his resume. Leeser garnered about 75 percent of the votes in Saturday's runoff election against City Council member Steve Ortega. Leeser nearly won the El Paso mayoral race outright in May, garnering almost half of the votes cast; with city Rep. Steve Ortega a far-behind second-place finisher, managing less than a quarter. Without breaking the necessary 50 percent threshold, the runoff election was required.
During interviews with reporters, Ortega acknowledged that his strong support for demolishing city hall to make way for a baseball stadium may have cost him votes. However, Ortega said that he stood behind the effort.
Leeser said he's ready to get work immediately and already has some meetings scheduled. He added that he plans to make voters proud, because they have made him proud with his election as Mayor. Leeser told reporters he has three important priorities: the city manager position, ensuring the new baseball stadium is built on time, and managing the projects authorized by a quality of life bond approved by voters.
Leeser is scheduled to be sworn-in as Mayor on June 23 following the certification of official election results. He will preside over his first city council meeting on June 25.