SUGAR LAND, Texas – As Sugar Land approaches the decisive mayoral runoff election on June 7, longtime resident, peace officer, and City Councilman William Ferguson is emerging as the bold, unifying leader the city needs to move forward.

Ferguson, who has lived in Fort Bend County since 1992 and in Sugar Land for the past 19 years, is facing off against fellow council member Carol McCutcheon. In a crowded six-person field, Ferguson secured nearly 36% of the vote—more than any other candidate—while McCutcheon followed with just under 29%. 

Now, with early voting set for May 27 through June 3, Ferguson is focused on delivering a message of unity within the community and the promise of a fruitful, blossoming tomorrow. 

Set apart by his dynamic and enthusiastic nature, Ferguson offers residents exciting visualizations of a Sugar Land that’s equally the city they already know and love and a rapidly evolving city that, within two years, young adults will be “running to.”

And his promises could very well become the reality. He’s certainly qualified. 

Ferguson brings to the table a plethora of experience, including a career spanning over three decades as a Texas peace officer, currently serving as a reserve lieutenant with Fort Bend County Precinct 1, experience as a small business owner and a five-year stint as city councilman.

 

In an exclusive interview with Katy and Fort Bend Christian Magazines, Ferguson explained his decision to run for mayor, rather than seeking re-election to his At-Large Position 1 seat on the council.

“Our city needs what I refer to as ‘decisive leadership.’ Mayor Joe Zimmerman proved the value of decisive leadership. We need an individual who will stand up in the face of political wins, in the face of special interests; we need someone who will make decisions based on facts, not emotions,” he said.

“We did not have that person stand up [after Zimmerman], so to be candid, I decided not to run for re-election, which I could have done, and instead I ran for mayor.”

Compounded by his decades as a police officer, Ferguson’s city council position served as a “fabulous education” on the ins and outs of Sugar Land, which operates like a well-balanced ecosystem, where individuals and systems collaborate to sustain growth and efficiency. 

Ferguson describes his top three priorities as public safety, economic development, and restoring unity in a city recovering from a divisive election season.

On the subject of economic development, Ferguson points to an essential demographic that Sugar Land is missing.

“Our city is literally missing our 30-year-olds. They’re the economic drivers—consumers, homebuyers, job starters—and we’re not retaining them,” he said. 

 

To bring them back, Ferguson is pushing forward on development projects like the Lake Pointe Redevelopment District, the transformation of the historic Imperial area, and the ongoing construction of MD Anderson’s massive 472,000-square-foot facility, expected to bring 2,000 new jobs to the area.

“We just opened Talyard Brewery—it’s already a hot spot,” he noted. “We need more entertainment and business attractions like that. These are the things that will make Sugar Land a magnet for the next generation.”

As for public safety, Ferguson’s law enforcement background sets him apart. 

“When I originally ran for Sugar Land City Council, I said, ‘If you don’t want to defund the police, put a police officer on the City Council.’ They did,” Ferguson said. “We have the best police, fire, and EMS in the state, and our EMS ranks in the top 3% in the nation. That’s something I’m proud to protect and grow.”

Further, one of the defining themes of Ferguson’s campaign is unity. Sugar Land, one of the most diverse communities in Texas, is a region rich in different cultures, races, ethnicities and religions. This aspect has historically made Sugar Land exceptional.

However, after a contentious election cycle, Ferguson believes that Sugar Land desparately needs to reunify.

“During this cycle, our diversity has been used to divide us. It’s been sad to watch,” he said. “But I’m bringing us back together. People of all cultures and faiths are stepping up and excited about what tomorrow looks like. They know they’ll have a place at the table.”

Ferguson pledges transparent leadership, especially as the city navigates millions of dollars in bond projects. He points to the city’s robust public information systems and emphasizes the importance of executive sessions only when legally necessary. 

“Everything we do is public,” he said. “We want people informed every step of the way.”

Ferguson also addressed the city’s controversial inquiry into a natural gas plant project that was scrapped earlier this year. He emphasized that the proposal was never more than an exploration and blamed misinformation for stirring public backlash.

“We were only gathering data, inquiring about environmental studies and potential funding. But the moment people thought it was a plan, it became political,” he explained. “The lesson is clear. We need to involve the public earlier, even during preliminary investigations.”

As the runoff draws near, Ferguson calls all voters to exercise their right to vote, conduct research and head to the polling booths.

“This is your city, and we’re building it for you. You’re safe here, you’re thriving, and you’re included,” he said. “Look at the new dining, housing, and jobs coming in. We are new and improved, and under my leadership, Sugar Land will be the city people are running to.”

He also reminds voters that public service in Sugar Land isn’t about money. 

“Council members make $13,000 a year. The mayor makes $27,000. These are not greed positions. it’s about neighbors serving neighbors and shaping the future for our children and grandchildren,” he said. 

 

“We’re a fearless city, and it shows in our progress. A vote for William Ferguson is a vote for a safe, thriving, and united Sugar Land.”

Early voting runs from May 27 through June 3. The runoff election is on Saturday, June 7.

For those seeking leadership rooted in experience, conviction, and vision, William Ferguson is the mayoral candidate prepared to lead Sugar Land into its next chapter.

For more information about the runoff election, visit the City of Sugar Land’s official website or contact the Fort Bend County Elections Office.