BEAUMONT, Texas — Today, 12News talked to three candidates who want to be Beaumont's next mayor.
Incumbent Becky Ames faces a challenge from two businessmen who will be on the ballot this May. Each candidate has a unique vision for the city and a different reason to run.
Ames will be running for a sixth time.
"I have taken the city through a hurricane and was on council for another one and you have to have some emergency management background to do the job," said Ames.
Ames has been on the council since 1994, and mayor since 2007. She also works as an administrator for the Medical Center of Southeast Texas. She believes her experience improving infrastructure will resonate with voters.
"We have borrowed millions of dollars but we are still staying within our means," said Ames.
Mayor Ames said projects like the Northwest Parkway will continue to open up for growth.
45-year-old community activist and business owner, Gary Senigaur, Jr. will be running against Ames. He's president of Stop the Violence which is a group that tries to keep teens on the right track.
"From the things I've done in the community, I have listened to cries of the people," said Senigaur.
Senigaur believes his experience will help racially unify Beaumont.
"People want someone that is touchable and a normal person," said Senigaur.
Joshua Yate, 31, believes Ames hasn't done enough to bring healthcare to the city. He wants bring the Medicaid Expansion program to Texas to help people with low incomes.
"It would be for any age group and there would be no age variation," said Yates.
February 15 will be the last day to file and election day is May 5.