GALVESTON, TX – March 5, 2026 – Local elected officials play a critical role in shaping Galveston’s economic future, quality of life, and business climate. To support informed civic engagement, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce will host The Debate: Galveston Mayoral Luncheon on Thursday, April 9, at Moody Gardens’ Frances Ann Moody Ballroom, 7 Hope Boulevard. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m.

The Chamber’s Mayoral Luncheon will feature Galveston mayoral candidates William Boike, John Paul Listowski, and Marie Robb, offering attendees the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates as they outline their vision and priorities for the city.

Leading into the Mayoral Debate Luncheon, the Galveston Chamber will also host two Galveston City Council Candidate Forums in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Galveston, LULAC Council 151, Pachyderm Club of Galveston Island (GIPC), and i45NOW. City Council candidates for Districts 1–3 will participate in a forum on Tuesday, April 7, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge #126, 1518 23rd Street. Candidates for Districts 4–6 will participate in a forum on Wednesday, April 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Galveston Urban Ministries, 1804 69th Street.

Sharon Lewis, Gerald Wilson, and Tarris L. Woods are candidates for District 1. Luke Bohlman and Jeffrey L. Taylor are running for District 2, and Raymond Arce and Bob Brown for District 3.

Floyd William Holder IV and Alex Porretto are running in District 4, while Michael Niebuhr, Beau Rawlins, and Charlie Worthen are candidates for District 5. In District 6, Jason Hardcastle, Scott Hickman, George R. Guajardo, Shane McKinney, and Daryl Williams are running.

“The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote and advocate for business and community development, and the leadership elected to serve our community will play a critical role in shaping policies that impact economic growth, workforce opportunities, and the overall business climate,” says Gina Spagnola, President & CEO of the Galveston Chamber. “A pro-business, pro-growth mayor and council help ensure that Galveston continues to attract investment, support our small businesses, strengthen our port and tourism economy, and create opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs and workers. These forums allow our members to understand each candidate’s vision for maintaining a strong, competitive, and prosperous Galveston.”

The Mayoral Debate Luncheon and City Council candidate forums are open to Chamber members and the public. Tickets and table sponsorships for the Mayoral Luncheon are available at www.GalvestonChamber.com (View Events Calendar). For more information, contact Robert Evans at revans@galvestonchamber.com or call (409) 763-5326.

About the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1845, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is the oldest chamber of commerce in Texas and proudly holds a Five-Star Accreditation. The Chamber is dedicated to promoting and advocating for business and community development, strengthening the local economy, and fostering leadership to ensure a vibrant and thriving Galveston.

City Council Candidate Forum – Districts 1–3
Tuesday, April 7 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Elks Lodge #126, 1518 23rd Street

City Council Candidate Forum – Districts 4–6
Wednesday, April 8 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Galveston Urban Ministries, 1804 69th Street

The Debate: Galveston Mayoral Luncheon
Thursday, April 9 | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Frances Ann Moody Ballroom, Moody Gardens