Anti-Islam candidate loses mayor's race in Texas city torn over immigration

Mark Hill, a conservative lawyer who served on the Frisco school board, won Frisco’s nonpartisan mayoral runoff on Saturday with 58 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results. The victory followed a campaign centered on unity and a commitment to focusing on city business rather than culture wars. Hill defeated Rod Vilhauer, a retired construction company owner who portrayed immigrants as a political flashpoint and Islam as a threat. The outgoing mayor, who endorsed Hill, described the election as a step toward civility, while Vilhauer conceded and pledged to stay engaged with residents who view immigration changes with concern. Frisco, a fast-growing suburb of about 250,000 north of Dallas, has grown rapidly in part due to immigrants from South Asia who arrive on H-1B visas for specialized work. The campaign took place amid broader debates over immigration and religion, including concerns about sharia and the influence of outside voices. Hill pledged to turn down the temperature at city council meetings and keep the focus on governing, while Vilhauer said he would stay engaged with residents who fear cultural shifts and economic disruption. The election reflects broader North Texas dynamics as communities confront rapid change and how to balance growth with shared civic priorities.