Frisco residents headed to the polls Saturday to select their first mayor in nine years, concluding a runoff between retired construction business owner Rod Vilhauer and former Frisco ISD board trustee Mark Hill. The victor will take office on July 7, succeeding term-limited Mayor Jeff Cheney. Both candidates advanced to this final stage after defeating two former City Council members in the May 2 general election.
The contest, which attracted over $1 million in spending over the last 15 months, centers on a city with more than 140,000 registered voters and a population that has expanded approximately 40% since the last open mayoral seat in 2017. Hill, campaigning under the slogan "Unite Frisco," highlighted his economic development background and pledged to reduce regional congestion by attracting corporate jobs and collaborating with neighboring municipalities. He has denounced Vilhauer’s past remarks and received endorsements from Cheney, former Mayor Mike Simpson, and Council Member Laura Rummel.
Vilhauer, who holds endorsements from U.S. Rep. Keith Self, the Denton County Republican Party, and Council Member Burt Thakur, promised to eliminate wasteful spending and expand major thoroughfares to maximum capacity. He also supports attracting large corporations to bolster the tax base. Vilhauer previously faced criticism for comments comparing South Asian immigrants to rats and labeling Islam as a terrorist group, though he has apologized and secured support from some Indian immigrants while continuing to oppose the spread of Shariah.