Mayor - Texas Ballot Compare

Patrick McNulty

Nonpartisan Incumbent

On ballot as: Patrick McNulty
Current role: Mayor of South Padre Island (past seven years, per Port Isabel-South Padre Press, August 2026)
Background: Worked in real estate, construction and the restaurant industry
Dallas native
Full-time South Padre Island resident since 2004
Experience: City Planning and Zoning, Shoreline Task Force and Capital Improvement committees (before mayor)
Island Way Comprehensive Plan committee
Top priorities: On the convention center: "We need to continue our work on this project to renovate and expand the convention center, but at a reasonable cost."
On the second access to the Island: "we need to do all we can to make sure that the construction starts in 2028."
"Sustaining a healthy beach is so important to our community."
Told the Press expanding public Laguna Madre access will remain a priority if re-elected
Tidbits: Property taxes and budget: On the convention center, told the Port Isabel-South Padre Press: "We need to continue our work on this project to renovate and expand the convention center, but at a reasonable cost"
Growth and infrastructure: On the planned second access to the Island: "This is a generational project for our Island and region"
Flooding and drainage: No public statement found
Public safety: No public statement found
Endorsements: None found in our research
Campaign website: Not found

Barry Patel

Nonpartisan

On ballot as: Barry Patel
Current role: Hotel owner and businessman on South Padre Island
Background: Pharmacist by training
South Padre Island business owner for more than 30 years (per Port Isabel-South Padre Press, July 2026)
Owns four hotels and about 30 short-term rental condominiums (per same report)
Permanent Rio Grande Valley resident since 1998
Experience: Former mayor of South Padre Island
Did not seek re-election (announced July 2017)
Outgoing mayor, recognized November 2017
South Padre Island City Council (elected November 2013)
Top priorities: "I think we do need more transparency on the City Council."
"I think it's time for a change. I think I can contribute positively."
On council meetings: "People deserve respect, and they deserve answers."
The Press reported his campaign "will focus on fiscal responsibility, government transparency and long-term planning for the island."
Tidbits: Property taxes and budget: "Large amounts of money are being expended right now on things that I'm not sure the residents of South Padre Island are agreeable to"
Growth and infrastructure: "Where do we want to be five years, 10 years, 20 years from now? I don't see a vision right now that takes us there"
Flooding and drainage: The Port Isabel-South Padre Press reported that the issues he wants to address include "improving drainage"
Public safety: "We want to be a welcoming community" and "we want people to know we're a safe community too"
Endorsements: None found in our research
Campaign website: Not found