Cook withdraws from race

Kristofer Cook asked voters in Farmers Branch District 2 not to vote for him in November's special City Council election. 

He said he does not want to cause a potential run-off election. 

“It's with a heavy heart that I must inform you and the public that I am stepping down from running for District 2 council seat. At this time, I cannot seek office because of personal reasons. If anyone was planning on voting for me, I ask that they vote for Brenda instead. On the bright side, this is only temporary, I will be back to run for the District 2 seat again in the future. And you might just see me on a board like parks & rec when a chair opens up,” he wrote to the Branch Herald.

Cook’s name will appear on the ballot because the deadline for a candidates to withdraw their names is 70 days before an election, which was Aug. 27. City Secretary Stacy Henderson confirmed that information with the Dallas County Elections Department.

Martin Baird, city councilmember for District 2 announced in July that he will resign from the position in November.

Tina Bennett-Burton and Brenda Brodrick are running for the City Council District 2 seat. Both candidates provided responses to the Branch Herald Candidate Questionnaire and have said they plan to attend the Candidate Forum 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, at the StarCenter, which is organized by the Branch Herald and sponsored by the StarCenter.

The special election is part of the general Nov. 5 election. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 7. Students who will turn 18 by Nov. 5 can also register to vote now.