Woodlands Township Certifies Election Results

**The Woodlands Township Certifies Election Results, New Directors Set to Take Office**

**THE WOODLANDS, TX** – The Woodlands Township Board of Directors officially certified the results of the November 7 general election during a meeting held Thursday, November 16, solidifying the composition of the township’s governing body for the upcoming term. Ann Snyder retained her Position 5 seat, while Laura Houston and Zahid Chauhan will join the board in Positions 6 and 7, respectively.

The certification marks the final step in the election process, paving the way for the newly elected officials to be sworn in and begin their service to The Woodlands community.

Long-time director Ann Snyder secured Position 5 with a strong mandate, garnering 5,695 votes. Her opponent, Dwight D. Matheson, whose name remained on the ballot despite his withdrawal from the race prior to Election Day, did not pose a significant challenge. Snyder’s re-election ensures continuity and experience on the board, where she has served for multiple terms.

In Position 6, Laura Houston emerged victorious with 4,775 votes. She will fill the seat previously held by Richard Franks, who opted not to seek re-election after dedicated service to the township. Houston’s entry brings a new voice to the board, representing a shift in leadership for that position.

Zahid Chauhan clinched Position 7 with 3,497 votes, successfully topping challengers Brad Bailey and Thomas Chappell. Chauhan steps into the seat vacated by Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, another long-serving director who also chose not to run for another term. His election reflects the community’s choice for new leadership in a key governance role.

Voter turnout for the general election was relatively modest, with 8,330 total ballots cast across the portions of The Woodlands residing in Montgomery and Harris counties. This translated to approximately 13.78% of registered voters participating in Montgomery County and a small 0.04% in Harris County, a figure typical for off-year local elections where voter engagement can sometimes be lower than in presidential or gubernatorial contests.

The incoming directors, along with Ann Snyder, are scheduled to be officially sworn into their new terms on Monday, November 20, 2023. The ceremony will also include a moment to recognize and thank outgoing directors Richard Franks and Shelley Sekula-Gibbs for their invaluable contributions and years of service to The Woodlands Township.

Following the swearing-in, the Board of Directors will immediately proceed with its annual reorganization. This critical step involves the election of new leadership roles, including the chairman and vice chairman, who will guide the board’s agenda and operations for the coming year. The selection of these roles is often a key indicator of the board’s priorities and direction.

With the additions of Houston and Chauhan, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will now be composed of Ann Snyder, Laura Houston, and Zahid Chauhan, alongside continuing members whose terms were not up for election this cycle. The Township Board is responsible for overseeing a wide array of municipal-style services and amenities, including parks and recreation, public safety contracts, covenant enforcement, and various community-wide initiatives, playing a crucial role in maintaining The Woodlands’ distinctive quality of life.

For complete election results and information on The Woodlands Township, residents can visit the official Township website at TheWoodlandsTownship-tx.gov.