Frisco residents are gearing up to cast their votes in a special election that will determine who fills the vacant Place 1 seat on the city council. The election, scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, will decide who represents the city at large for the remainder of the current term, which runs through May 2027.

The seat became vacant in October 2025 after longtime council member John Keating announced his candidacy for mayor. In response, the Frisco City Council called a special election to ensure the community has representation while also preparing for the mayoral election, which will take place later in the spring during the May 2, 2026, general election. Keating will continue to serve in the Place 1 position until the election concludes.

Key Dates and Voting Information

Residents eager to participate in the special election should note several important deadlines:

• January 2, 2026: Last day to register to vote. Residents can verify their registration at VoteTexas.gov.
• January 14-27, 2026: Early voting period.
• January 31, 2026: Election Day.

With early voting providing nearly two weeks for residents to cast ballots, the city aims to maximize voter participation in this critical local race.

Candidates in the Race

Two candidates have filed to run for the Place 1 seat: Mark Piland, former Frisco Fire Chief, and Ann Anderson, a longtime Frisco resident and community advocate. Both candidates bring distinct backgrounds and priorities to the election, offering voters a choice between extensive municipal experience and deep-rooted community involvement. Piland has lived in Frisco for over a decade and brings more than 40 years of public service experience, including 18 years in executive leadership roles. He served as Frisco’s Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator, managing major city initiatives and emergency response operations. His career also includes 16 years with a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team, with deployments to major national and international disasters such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Piland retired from the Frisco Fire Department in September 2022 following a controversial directive to retire after allegations surrounding the handling of a firefighter injury during a prolonged ice storm apartment fire. He emphasizes that his campaign focuses on transparency, accountability, and ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in city decisions.

“My goal is to provide leadership that listens, explains decisions openly, and keeps residents at the heart of every discussion,” Piland said. “Together, we can ensure Frisco continues to thrive — not just for today, but for generations to come.”

This will be Piland’s second bid for the Place 1 seat, having previously run in May 2024, and he also challenged the incumbent mayor in the May 2023 election.

Anderson has been a Frisco resident for 20 years and has been actively involved in local schools and civic organizations. She served on the Gunstream Elementary PTA, including two terms as president, and supported programs at Wester Middle School, Centennial Theatre, and Frisco High School’s Best Buddies initiative.

Professionally, Anderson spent more than 25 years in the financial services industry before founding her own small business in 2013. She has also served on the city of Frisco’s art and culture advisory board and the comprehensive planning committee, giving her insights into both community priorities and city planning initiatives.

Anderson’s campaign emphasizes supporting public safety, improving traffic flow, encouraging smart growth, strengthening regional partnerships, and fostering stronger neighborhood connections.

“Every resident should feel included in the opportunities, resources, and sense of belonging that make Frisco a place where people can thrive,” Anderson said. “Frisco is strongest when everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.”

The Stakes for Frisco Residents

The Place 1 special election comes at a pivotal time as Frisco continues to experience rapid growth and development. The elected council member will play a key role in shaping city policy, overseeing growth management, and representing residents in important municipal decisions.

For voters, this special election represents a chance to influence local leadership and ensure that the council reflects the priorities and values of the community. With early voting set to begin in mid-January, residents are encouraged to review the candidates’ platforms, attend community forums if available, and prepare to make their voices heard.

Whether voters prioritize experience, community engagement, or a combination of both, the outcome of the January 31 election will help determine the direction Frisco takes over the next year and beyond.