Erica for Denton

08/11/2026

I’ve been saying this for a while, but after what we’ve seen today, I feel more strongly about it than ever, Denton City Council members should be required to pass a drug test.

If you’re entrusted with making decisions that impact an entire city, you should be held to a standard of accountability and professionalism.

08/03/2026

Sometimes the best response to misinformation is simply the truth. I was tagged in a post by a sitting Denton City Councilmember Jordan Villarreal and I responded to correct a factual error.

Here are the facts: the friend named in that post was never my campaign staffer. She volunteered her time, like many people did throughout my campaign. When I corrected that, the reply I received, from an elected official, was “Looking forward to your next loss, loser.” That comment was deleted shortly after it was posted. I have the screenshot.

I was tagged into this exchange. I didn’t seek it out. But when a Councilmember calls a private citizen a loser for pointing out a factual error, that’s worth putting on the record, because Denton residents deserve to know how the people representing them conduct themselves.

I’m not interested in continuing this. I said what happened because it happened.

I’ve found my peace. I’m focused on my family, my career, and continuing to serve this community in other ways. This isn’t something I went looking for, it landed on my lap today. But I won’t pretend it didn’t happen, and I won’t stay quiet when the record needs correcting.

Most of all, I wish Jordan peace, health, and wellness, and I hope he finds his way there.

06/14/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Erica Garland

Last night did not end the way we hoped, but I leave this race with my integrity fully intact and I cannot say the same for how it was conducted by my opponent.

I am deeply grateful to every volunteer, precinct chair, donor, and neighbor who believed in this campaign and gave everything to it. You ran a clean, honest race and so did I. That matters.

I am proud of what we built. We earned the endorsement of the Denton Police Officers Association, the Denton Firefighters Association, the Denton County Republican Party, state legislators, and the county sheriff. We earned those endorsements - on substance, service, and integrity.

What I am not proud of is what I witnessed in the final days of this race. My opponent made accusations that were not true. He did so repeatedly and deliberately, beginning after the Robson Ranch forum and ending with a video posted on the first day of early voting. The false narrative he built resulted in numerous hateful interactions directed at me and my volunteers, many of which were senior citizens. As a woman I absorbed those attacks silently and with grace, because that is who I am. But silence is not the same as acceptance.

It is 2026. Women should not have to endure deliberate misinformation and attack campaigns designed to move votes through false accusations. A man shouldn’t go online and sit comfortably as he spreads serious allegations and slanders a woman for votes. I hope Denton is watching and I hope we hold our leaders to a higher standard going forward.

This city deserved better from this race. It will always have my voice, my service, and my commitment.

Thank you Denton. From the bottom of my heart.

Erica Garland

06/13/2026

ONE HOUR LEFT, DENTON. THIS IS IT.

Polls close at 7 p.m. TONIGHT. If you are not in line yet, go right now. If you are already in line when the polls close, you have the right to vote. Stay in line.

We have worked too hard and come too far to leave anything on the table in the final hour. Every vote counts, and yours is one of them.

Go. Vote. Now.

Find your polling location: www.votedenton.gov

06/13/2026

TWO HOURS LEFT, DENTON!

Polls close at 7 p.m. tonight, and if you have not voted yet, you still have time. Drop what you are doing and go right now.

This race is close. Every single vote matters. Do not let tonight come and go wondering if your vote would have made the difference.

Go vote!

06/13/2026

"Washington has shown us what happens when the wrong people hold power — runaway spending, attacks on public safety, and contempt for working families. Erica Garland is running to make sure Denton never goes down that road. She's a fighter for common sense, conservative values, and the people of this community. Erica has my full endorsement."

-Congressman Brandon Gill

06/13/2026

Polls are open RIGHT NOW until 7 p.m. tonight. This race is close, and every single vote matters!

Denton deserves a city council member who shows up, gets the job done, and fights for responsible growth, public safety, and a government that works for every resident. That is exactly what I will do, and I need you with me today.

Do not wait. Do not assume someone else will handle it. The future of Denton is being decided right now, and your vote shapes it.

Go vote NOW, then remind a neighbor who still needs to get to the polls.

Quick reminder: you must vote at your designated polling location. Find yours at www.votedenton.gov

06/12/2026

"I’m Mayor Gerard Hudspeth. In Denton, we need leaders focused on the basics: safety, streets, and our neighbors. That’s why I’m endorsing Erica Garland for City Council. Erica has called Denton home for nearly 20 years. She understands the challenges our citizens face because she’s lived them—from the hard work of saving to buy her first home right here, to raising her four kids in our community. As an HR professional, Erica knows how to get results. She’ll ensure our first responders are supported, prioritize street repairs, and drive the economic growth we need to thrive, not just survive. Erica Garland is ready to listen and take care of the basics. Join me in voting for Erica Garland.”

06/12/2026

Tomorrow is Election Day.

For the second time, I’ve put my name on the ballot because I believe Denton deserves leaders who are willing to step forward and serve out of sacrifice and for the right reasons.

This campaign hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced personal attacks, false accusations, misinformation, and attempts to distract from the issues that matter most to our city. I’ve experienced opposition before, and I’ve definitely experienced it again in this race.

Reflecting on this experience, I have learned that when you’re willing to challenge the status quo and bring a different perspective to the table, there will always be people who would rather attack you than discuss the issues.

I haven’t stayed in this arena because it’s easy. I’ve stayed because I love this city and believe it’s worth fighting for.

I believe Denton needs balanced leadership. I believe our city deserves leaders focused on public safety, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, economic opportunity, and protecting the quality of life that makes Denton special.

Tomorrow, I ask you to look past the noise. Look past the rumors. Look past the political theater.

Ask yourself which candidate has demonstrated the judgment, professionalism, and determination to serve this community.

I am proud of this campaign. I’m proud of the people who stood beside me. And I’m proud that through every obstacle, I never stopped fighting for the city I love.

If you’ve voted for me, thank you. If you haven’t voted yet, please make a plan to do so tomorrow.

Denton is worth fighting for. It always will be.

— Erica Garland, Candidate for Denton City Council Place 5

06/11/2026

Thank you to the women who keep calling this behavior out!

Brian Beck’s treatment of city staff has been an open secret for a long time. I’m grateful our former city manager, Sarah Hensley went on the record, and let’s be honest about why she could: she’s no longer on the city payroll. The people who haven’t come forward? They have jobs. Bills. Families. That silence isn’t indifference. It’s survival.

This is exactly why accountability matters. This is exactly why we need leadership on council that understands they are here to represent this community, not serve themselves.

We have an opportunity on Saturday to end the crony system, stop tolerating toxic leadership, and reject the idea that dysfunctional city government is just something Denton has to live with.

Because we don’t.

Vote Saturday for a more accountable Denton!

Ahead of Saturday's runoff election, the Denton Record-Chronicle reviewed public records and campaign statements to examine key accusations and competing narratives from Brian Beck and Chris Watts this election season.