Frisco voters elected Mark Hill as their next mayor Saturday, giving the former Frisco ISD board president a decisive runoff victory over businessman Rod Vilhauer.
Hill won 58.12% of the vote, compared to Vilhauer’s 41.88%, according to unofficial results reported with all precincts counted. Hill received 19,632 votes, while Vilhauer received 14,146 votes.
The race drew attention across North Texas as Frisco continues to experience rapid growth and demographic change. The city has been at the center of debates surrounding immigration, H-1B visa workers, economic development, religious development, and cultural issues.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Hill received the endorsement of the American Hindu Coalition during the campaign.
In announcing its endorsement, the organization stated that it “proudly endorses Mark Hill for Mayor of Frisco TX in the 2026 election.”
“We call upon Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and broader South-East Asian American communities to unite and participate in strong numbers in this important statewide election,” the group stated.
The day before the election, Hill attended Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Kalyanam, a Hindu religious event.
“Mark attended Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Kalyanam and took the blessing of Lord Narasimha,” former Frisco City Council candidate Sreekanth Vaishnav Reddy posted on Facebook. “Wish him all the best on his endeavor in his Mayor Journey.”
Contrasting Campaign Messages
The runoff featured two candidates with sharply different visions for Frisco’s future.
Hill campaigned on themes of unity, economic development, public safety, and continued growth.
Vilhauer, a retired businessman, focused heavily on concerns surrounding immigration, development, transparency, and what he described as the threat of Sharia law.
“When it comes to people of Sharia that govern themselves, they are not welcome here,” Vilhauer said during a Frisco Chamber of Commerce forum, according to KERA News.
“I will never welcome them here. We’re going to fight that.”
The mayoral race attracted significant attention as Frisco’s population continues to grow and evolve, making the city one of the most closely watched municipal battlegrounds in North Texas.
Democratic-Backed Candidate Wins Arlington Seat
Meanwhile, Democratic-backed groups celebrated a victory in Arlington.
Jason Shelton, a University of Texas at Arlington professor, won the city’s District 8 At-Large City Council runoff with more than 60% of the vote against Arlington ISD trustee Melody Fowler.
Shelton received 5,811 votes, or 62.79%, while Fowler received 3,444 votes, or 37.21%, according to unofficial results.
Following the election, Dream City PAC praised the outcome.
“We look forward to seeing Dr. Shelton continue serving Arlington and helping build a city that reflects the values, needs, and aspirations of all who call it home,” the organization wrote on Facebook.
The election results marked another successful cycle for Democratic-backed candidates in Arlington, while Frisco voters selected a candidate who campaigned on continued growth and community unity.
