‘Statesman’ joins ‘Chronicle’ in endorsing Israel

The Austin American-Statesman has endorsed state Rep. Celia Israel for mayor, rejecting former Mayor Kirk Watson as a man rooted in the status quo. In doing so, the Statesman joined The Austin Chronicle, which endorsed Israel on Thursday. The other candidates in the race are Jennifer Virden, Anthony Bradshaw, Phil Brual and Gary Spellman. Of those, Virden has made a visible effort to garner votes, but being a Republican gives her an uphill battle in blue Austin. The Statesman also endorsed Council incumbents Natasha Harper-Madison in District 1 and Paige Ellis in District 8. In District 3, the paper endorsed teacher and community organizer José Noé Elías for the seat being vacated by retiring Pio Renteria. In District 5, the seat currently held by Ann Kitchen, the board endorsed attorney Ryan Alter, a longtime Democratic staffer at the Texas Legislature who has worked for Watson as well as state Sen. Juan Hinojosa. The Statesman endorsed Ben Leffler to take the District 9 seat being vacated by Kathie Tovo.