Pearland City Council member Tony Carbone officially jumped into the 2026 mayor’s race last Friday, casting himself as a hometown number cruncher who wants to keep the city steady while tackling public safety and aging infrastructure. His announcement sets the stage for a closely watched municipal showdown ahead of the May 2, 2026, election.
In a news release, Carbone said, “Pearland needs steady leadership that puts residents first,” according to Community Impact. The outlet reports that Carbone is centering his campaign on boosting public safety and maintaining basic infrastructure, including roads, sidewalks, water, and drainage systems.
Carbone was first elected to the City Council in 2019 and has served three separate terms as mayor pro tem, according to his official City of Pearland biography. He is a sixth-generation Pearland native and a certified public accountant who works locally as a managing partner at a Pearland firm.
Election Date and Candidate Filing
Per the City of Pearland’s election calendar, “The 2026 General Election will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026,” and the calendar shows the filing window for candidates opens today and runs through Feb. 13 at 5 p.m., according to the city’s election page. The calendar also lists the mayor and two council seats on the ballot and includes a candidate packet with filing instructions. Anyone wishing to run for mayor must file within that window to appear on the May ballot.
Endorsement Shifts The Field
Shortly after Carbone’s launch, Brazoria County Constable Buck Stevens, who had been running for mayor, dropped out of the race and threw his support behind Carbone. Stevens told Community Impact, “Tony is someone I respect for his commitment to this city and his willingness to serve.” The early endorsement gives Carbone a head start on organization as other would-be contenders decide whether to jump in.
With filing now underway and election day locked in for May 2, the coming weeks should clarify who else joins Carbone on the mayoral ballot. Voters can follow new filings and review candidate materials on the city’s election page as the race takes shape.
