Fabrizio, Yandell reflect on the runoff that changed Abilene politics

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – In a runoff race that changed the local political landscape, Miguel Espinoza has claimed a seat on the Abilene City Council, defeating long-time incumbent Kyle McAlister. Political analyst Dr. Paul Fabrizio and campaign manager Tim Yandell weigh in on the election, from fundraising shifts to the grassroots effort that helped Espinoza secure the win.

Professor of Political Science at McMurry University, Dr. Paul Fabrizio, noted that despite McAlister’s established presence, Espinoza’s campaign showed strength early on.

“Kyle McAllister’s numbers were fine, but what was interesting was Miguel Espinoza’s numbers; he out-raised Kyle by 1000s of dollars, and he also got money from people that we would consider establishment. Think about Scott Dueser, the head of First Financial Bank, or Scott Senter of Senter Realty, the realtor, in fact, gave $7,500 to Miguel Espinosa,” Fabrizio shared.

Espinoza’s growing support base contrasted with rising doubts from others. As the runoff approached, questions about his qualifications circulated, including a letter distributed to voters on the final weekend of the race.

“Voters who had not voted yet, apparently received a letter on Friday or Saturday that took much of that same attack, if you will, that Jane Beard had launched against Miguel Espinoza, and it was put in the form of a letter from two citizens here, a couple here in Abilene,” Fabrizio explained. “What we got here was actually the establishment against the establishment with a new candidate, Miguel Espinoza, having support from some of the establishment, and Kyle losing support from some of the establishment.”

Fabrizio also recalled McAlister’s controversial past and his attempts at reconciliation, particularly regarding previous comments that affected his public image.

“When I had my radio show, I had him on and we talked through the things that he said. He was incredibly apologetic. He was working to try to overcome the image that had been created about him and his attitude towards Hispanics,” Fabrizio recalled.

Espinoza’s campaign was led by longtime friend and campaign manager Tim Yandell, who has spent decades working on local races but had never taken on a city council seat quite like this one.

“We tried to get someone else to do it, to have a consultant, and it just didn’t work out. I told Miguel, We just got to go. So we gotta get this done,” Yandell shared. “The thing with Miguel Espinosa is that he grew up down the street from where my wife and I live. We built a house here in Wildlife Trails about 11 years ago. I met Miguel really when he was in high school, and I was so extremely impressed with the young man.”

Yandell had encouraged Espinoza to run for years, believing he would bring much-needed representation and thoughtful leadership to the council.

“Several months ago, when we really started making the rounds, I said, Miguel, it’s not going to be an easy thing going against an incumbent. I said, you have to make the decision for yourself. I can’t make it for you, or no one else can make it for you. You’ve got to make a decision. Are you going to do this? And he said, Yeah, I’m going to do this,” Yandell said. “I know in fact that that Abilene is 27% Hispanic, and I’ve always felt like that on our city council, that we need a good cross section of of Abilene, and everybody needs to have a voice, and everybody needs to be represented, and and that’s what I’ve always thought about Miguel, that he would be a great candidate for city council.”

As the race heated up, Yandell said Espinoza remained steady and focused, ready to serve the Abilene community.

“He’s very intentional about everything he does. He was the one who would have to reel me in at times, you know, because I’m a very passionate person. ‘Let’s do this. Let’s defend our candidacy wherever we have to.’ And he was always willing to say, ‘Okay, Tim, you know, just kind of chill out,'” Yandall added. “But yes, he will. He is one of those who will read the packet, who will read the packet intensely. He will be prepared. He’s always been prepared. That’s why I have been so impressed with him over the last 10 or 15 years.”