Draco Miller, Jr. will follow in his father’s footsteps as Brownwood City Council Ward 4 representative as he defeated Jim Byars Saturday in a special election for the vacant spot.

Miller received 267 of the 505 total votes cast – or 52.87 percent – compared to the 238 votes for Byars, which represented 47.13 percent of the voters.

A total of 375 early voting and absentee ballots were cast, where Miller received 186 votes to Byars’ 164. On Election Day Saturday, a total of 130 ballots were cast – 68 in favor of Miller and 62 in favor of Byars.

In a Facebook post Saturday night, Councilmember-elect Miller said, “You showed up and voted and I am so grateful. First and foremost thank you to my Heavenly Father because without Him none of this is possible. Secondly, I want to thank my family for supporting me in this whole thing. And thirdly, I want to thank you guys, the voters, you let your voice be heard, you went to the polls and voted. Thank you so very much. I am elated to be your new City Councilman. Now, the work begins. My story hasn’t changed, I am a servant leader of the people, for the people. It’s about you, it’s not about me. Thank you again. I am humbled, I’m elated and I cannot wait to work for the City that I love.”

The Brown County Elections Office will canvas the votes and Councilmember-elect Miller will be sworn in at the regularly called City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 9 a.m.

Draco Miller, Sr. passed away Feb. 16, 2023.