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The Texas Tribune
The Texas Tribune
National
Joshua Fechter

Austin voters elect Kirk Watson, who served as mayor two decades ago, to lead the city again

State Rep. Celia Israel and former State Sen. Kirk Watson debate on ATX Decides, hosted by Austin PBS at Studio 919 on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022.
Former State Sen. Kirk Watson at a debate on ATX Decides, hosted by Austin PBS at Studio 919 on Dec. 5. Watson narrowly defeated State Rep. Celia Israel in a runoff election Tuesday for Austin mayor. (Credit: Azul Sordo/The Texas Tribune)

In a tight race, Austin voters picked a familiar face Tuesday night to guide the capital city over the next two years as the region deals with skyrocketing housing costs and explosive growth.

In a contest between two Austin Democrats, former state Sen. Kirk Watson narrowly prevailed over state Rep. Celia Israel and retook the seat he last held more than two decades ago.

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