Following the conclusion of the Nov. 3 general election, the city of Kyle will hold an election on Dec. 12 to fill the recently vacated District 3 seat and determine the winners of the Mayoral and District 4 races through runoffs.

The overview: On Sept. 25, District 3 Council Member Claudia Zapata announced her resignation from office, citing “harassment and dehumanization” she experienced in social media groups dedicated to Kyle politics and at City Hall during public meetings, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

The City Council called for a special election to fill the vacant seat on Oct. 5. The election will be held on Dec. 12, the same day as two runoff elections from the Nov. 3 general election.

The filing deadline for candidates ended on Nov. 2, according to the city website. The race will feature five candidates:

• Larry D. Stamps

• Mario Reyes

• Zachary A. Coppedge

• Alex Villalobos

• Mark Schmidt

Buda's first official, independently owned, locally operated bookstore opened on Main Street on Oct. 24.

Two Doors Down Bookshop offers various genres of books, reading accessories and wine. The store will also host book-themed events and serve as a gathering place for readers.

About the owner: Owner Sarah Ray started the venture as a home-based business in early 2025, according to a news release from the Buda Economic Development Corp.

Quote of note: “Two Doors Down Bookshop started as a passion project in my home, and I’m so grateful to bring it to Main Street,” Ray said in the news release. “I wanted to create a cozy place where neighbors can find a great book, enjoy a glass of wine and connect with other readers. I can’t wait to welcome the Buda community through our doors.”

• 200 S. Main St., Buda

At her first public event since winning the Nov. 3 election, Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa announced her initial plans for the transition between gubernatorial administrations, emphasizing her plans to work across the aisle in "building a government that is working for the people of Texas."

The overview: Hinojosa also announced the team leading her transition to the governor's office:

• Joe Madden, former chief of staff for Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo

• Former GOP state Rep. Ernest Bailes

• Ryan Pollock, executive director of the Texas State Building and Construction Trades Council

• Tamala Barksdale, a former Austin ISD trustee

Quote of note: "This is not about being a Democratic administration," she said. "I'm not going to be the governor for just Democrats—I'm going to be the governor for all the people of Texas."

One more thing: Hinojosa said Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, whom she unseated in the Nov. 3 election, had been "gracious" and expressed that his office would "fully cooperate with this transition and be helpful as they can."