Interest is high in the Corpus Christi City Council race. Nineteen people filed for the nine seats to be filled in the General Election on Nov. 8. The last day to file was Aug. 22 for the position of mayor, three at-large seats and five district seats. Two years ago, 24 people filed.
Running for the three at-large positions, which drew the most interest, were the following eight candidates: Dr. Jimie Owsley, John Garcia, Paulette Guarjardo, Reynaldo “Ray” Madrigal, Joe McComb and Margareta Fratila. 
Seeking re-election for their at-large seats are council members Chad Magill and Michael Hunter. Magill is seeking his second term, while Hunter is running for his first. He was appointed earlier this year to fill a vacated position when council member Lillian Riojas resigned to take a job in San Antonio. 
At-large council member Mark Scott is not seeking re-election because of term limits. He is not eligible to run again. 
Also leaving is council member Colleen Mcintyre, who represents District 4. Two candidates filing to replace her are Greg Smith and Dr. Lloyd Stegemann. 
Incumbent Carolyn Vaughn, who represents District 1, drew a challenge from Ryan Schroeder. 
Brian Rosas, council member for District 2, will be seeking re-election against challenger Ben Molina. 
District 3 incumbent Lucy Rubio will be defending her seat on the council from Rick Gomez. 
Council member Rudy Garza Jr. of District 5 remains unchallenged for the second election cycle. 
In the race for mayor, incumbent Nelda Martinez is being challenged by Dan McQueen, who also sought to unseat her in 2014. 
Each member of the council, including the mayor, serve two-year terms. Salary is $6,000 for council members and $9,000 for the mayor. Early voting begins Oct. 24 but ends on Nov. 4. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, and will include national, state and other local candidates and issues.
Candidates ages and occupations are listed below: 
MAYOR
• Incumbent Nelda Martinez, 55, President Alden Enterprises
• Dan McQueen, 56 engineer
AT-LARGE
• Margareta Fratila, 66, business owner
• Incumbent Chad Magill, 41, business development officer
• Incumbent Michael Hunter, 28, Insurance
• Joe McComb, 69, McComb Relocation Services
• Renaldo "Ray" Madrigal, 74, retired
• John Garcia, 40, director of sales
• Paulette Guajardo, 44, independent insurance
DISTRICT 1
• Incumbent Carolyn Vaughn, 63, president, Vaughn Energy Services
• Ryan Schroeder, 28, core analyst
DISTRICT 2
• Ben Molina, 35, President Pinnacle Roofing
• Incumbent Brian Rosas, 42, sales manager
DISTRICT 3
• Incumbent Lucy Rubio, 64, council member
• Rick Gomez, 37, real estate broker
DISTRICT 4
• Greg Smith, 64, CEO Pioneer RV
• Dr. Lloyd Stegemann, 47, surgeon
DISTRICT 5
• Incumbent Rudy Garza Jr., 61, property manager