Fourth-place candidate files election protest

JOEY DAUBEN
The Ellis County Press

WILMER - Southern Dallas County is known for election fraud, and Steve Magyar said he's a victim of it, which is why he filed a protest of the May 3 election results in district court Monday, June 2.

Magyar, who requested that he either win a seat on the five-member Wilmer City Council or have a new election, claimed residents were assisted illegally in voting by mail.

If a judgement is ruled in his favor, Magyar would capture third place, knocking out incumbent councilman Don Hudson, who received 225 votes to Magyar's 220.

An election recount was requested after the May 3 results were posted, but the outcome did not change.

Incumbent Henry Martinez captured first place out of the three at-large positions up for election with 237 votes, with political novice Marlena Hagen grabbing 231 votes. Both Hagen and Martinez were members of the three-candidate 'Team Wilmer,' a faction of Mayor Linda Root supporters.


Hudson, who denied any campaign wrongdoing, received more mail-in votes than any other candidate, according to official recount tabulations released after the May 3 results were finalized.

'The ones [mail-in ballots] I received were already sealed,' said Hudson. 'It's just another way to get Magyar in.'

But Hudson said he isn't worried about having to campaign again, but is ready to do it again if he needs to.

'One thing I would enjoy is to beat Steve Magyar again.'

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