News Flash

Swearing-in of Blong, Ladd, Burkes demonstrates council continuity

City of Midland News Release Posted on January 12, 2026

SWEARING-IN CEREMONY SHOWS OFF CONTINUITY NOT SEEN IN NEARLY A DECADE

(Jan. 12, 2026) 

MIDLAND, TEXAS -- The City of Midland held swearing-in ceremonies on Monday (Jan. 12, 2026) at Bush Convention Center for Mayor Lori Blong, District 3 Councilman Jack Ladd and District 4 Councilwoman Amy Stretcher Burkes.

The event was called a celebration of “continuity” as all three council members kept their seats for another term after winning election in November. Blong captured 65.2% of the vote to win her second term as mayor (and third on the council); Ladd claimed 73.8% of the vote to earn his third term as the representative of District 3; and Burkes ran unopposed to win a second term in District 4.

The last time a council had this type of continuity was nearly a decade ago in 2017 (after the 2016 elections when all three council members ran unopposed).

It was also mentioned during remarks made Monday that “Leadership is about impact,” and the Blong, Ladd and Burkes were part of the Midland City Council as the following happened inside the City of Midland.

  • Various efficiency efforts were found that will save the taxpayers more than $116 million,
  • The largest Costco in Texas was built along State Highway 191 in west Midland,
  • The 26-project Road Bond was completed under budget,
  • Dramatic improvements to Reyes-Mashburn-Nelms, Beal and Hogan parks and Doug Russell Aquatic Center were approved or completed,
  • Midland’s violent crime rate dropped by more than 10%,
  • Record airline passengers used Midland International Air & Space Port,
  • City programming included the biggest Midland's Merry Lights season yet, Chalk the Block, Fly into Fall and multiple Halloween celebrations,
  • City officials, firefighters and the Midland Firemen’s Relief and Retirement Fund board have finalized an agreement on the firefighter pension fund that stabilized the fund and saved taxpayers an estimated $60 million in bond debt payments.

The current council also includes at-large Councilman John Burkholder, at-large Councilwoman Robin Poole, District 1 Councilman Brian Stubbs and District 2 Councilman John Norman.

Council members are elected to three-year terms. The next scheduled Midland City Council elections are set for November 2027 (District 1, District 2 and at-large seats).