Debbie Nash-King wins re-election in Killeen mayoral race

KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - Unofficial final voting numbers show that Debbie Nash-King has been re-elected as Mayor of Killeen.

Nash-King has gathered 2,324 votes. Mellisa Brown was second with 597 votes, R.A. “Rick” Briggs Jr. third with 281 votes and Patsy Bracey fourth with 60 votes.

“I’m so excited, honored and blessed that residents of Killeen believed in me, and I look forward to continue to serve Killeen residents,” Nash-King said in a statement.

More local election results can be found here: Election Results (kwtx.com)

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Killeen mayoral candidates lay out experience, vision for city

The largest city in Central Texas will decide its next mayor on Saturday. Killeen voters will determine whether they want incumbent Debbie Nash-King or someone new to represent them.

KWTX talked with all four candidates about their platform and what they would get done on day one if elected.

Brown is running because she believes voices are being silenced at city council meetings.

”In the past two years I have seen citizens’ rights slowly eroding away,” Brown said.

Bracey has lived in Killeen for decades, which she believes makes her worthy for the job.

”I have management ability, I know how to run a business,” Bracey said. “I ran a home health business that was generating over $74,000 a year.”

Mayor Nash-King said her experience speaks for itself.

”As the mayor you are the voice, you are the face, but it’s important that you have the education and experience,” Mayor Nash-King said. “I’m going into my 7th year to continue working with the council or a new council.”

Briggs Jr. said he doesn’t have a platform and is instead running on his values.

”My foundation is based on values like VEMMPS, which is Values, Ethics, Manners, Morals, Principles and Scruples,” Briggs Jr. said.

He promises to work with community organizations to create gavels that represent them to use at council meetings.

”So at the whack of the gavel, we the people are now back in charge at the City of Killeen,” Briggs Jr. said.

Bracey plans to restore order at city council meetings.

”There’s no respect on either side,” Bracey said. “Nobody’s respecting each other. We’re never going to get anything done as long as both sides are screaming at one another.”

If re-elected, Mayor Nash-King would continue with the Killeen 2040 plan and revitalizing downtown.

”I believe every town needs a downtown,” Mayor Nash-King said. “It’s about small business owners and bringing new businesses in.”

Brown said the city should prioritize other matters over a bond to build a new city hall, which is being considered for the November election.

”Let’s make sure we have drivable roads,” Brown said. “Let’s make sure we have sidewalks everywhere that people can walk on and that we’re ADA compliant and let’s make sure that we have all of our safety needs.”

Polls in Killeen will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Voters need to show up to their designated polling location, which is based on their home address.