Chito Vela named Austin mayor pro tem — what it means

Austin City Council Member José “Chito” Vela socializes at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees watch party in support of the passage of Proposition Q at the Brewtorium, Nov. 4, 2025.

Council Member José "Chito" Vela, who represents North Austin’s District 4, took over as Austin’s mayor pro tem on Jan. 1.

The City Council elected Vela in 2025 to succeed Vanessa Fuentes, who held the largely ceremonial role last year.

While the title carries limited formal power, the mayor pro tem steps in when the mayor is absent, presides over council meetings and represents the city at events and ceremonies — a role comparable to the Texas lieutenant governor filling in for the governor or the U.S. vice president stepping in for the president. Vela said the role’s influence lies in its visibility.

"The title and the attention that it brings enable you to highlight issues," Vela said. "It gives you a little bit more of a voice — a little more of a soapbox to stand on — and that, to me, is the power of the office."

Vela is also the first man to hold the position in more than a decade. The issue last drew controversy in 2020, when then-Council Member Greg Casar announced plans to run for mayor pro tem. Several council members, including Paige Ellis, pushed for a woman in the role as Austin’s council reached a near supermajority of women for the first time.

In recent years, the post has rotated annually among the most senior council members — an informal practice adopted by the council.

While mayor pro tem elections can be contentious in other cities, Austin’s recent councils have largely worked collaboratively to rotate the position, which Vela said reflects the body’s ability to work together.

Fuentes said she valued the role’s citywide scope and opportunities to collaborate across districts, including a town hall for older adults with Council Member Marc Duchen and a budget-focused town hall with Council Members Mike Siegel and Jose Velásquez.

"What I found most important was talking about issues affecting Austinites, regardless of what ZIP code you’re in," Fuentes said. "I really enjoyed working with colleagues across the city on issues of mutual interest."

Fuentes will continue representing District 2 while Vela assumes the mayor pro tem role, allowing her to spend more time focused on her district.

Vela said his priorities include housing affordability and transportation, particularly the completion of Project Connect.

The new role will also expand his presence beyond North Austin.

"My focus has traditionally been on district events and Capital Metro issues," Vela said. "As mayor pro tem, I’ll be all over the city. I’m looking forward to meeting people I might not have crossed paths with before."