Nelson switches to Wichita Falls City Council in big race

A twist has occurred as Wichita Falls enters the final week for residents to file for elected office.

Incumbent District 2 Alderman Larry Nelson has filed to run — but not in District 2.

Instead, Nelson has applied to run for the municipal council seat, which is also open. That pits him against political newcomer Austin Cobb, who has amassed the largest war chest of any candidate so far in the Nov. 5 municipal election.

In a campaign finance report filed July 15, Cobb reported raising $13,550 in contributions and spending $8,816 on his campaign.

For the same reporting period, Nelson reported no contributions and no expenses.

“It’s not about money all the time,” he said.

Nelson said he made the switch because “it’s the American dream. When I was District 2, I made a lot of effective changes. When I run at large, I can do it more effectively. I have a lot of connections in Washington, and there are a lot of other things I have done in the center.”

The switch from Nelson means as of Monday that no candidates are running for District 2, which represents parts of the central and eastern parts of the city.

Nelson said he has talked to a couple of people who have expressed interest in running.

Candidates have until August 19 to apply for city office.