Larry Spears Jr. had a double celebration Saturday night. He won the election to be Orange’s new mayor, plus he and his wife, Trisha, had a gender reveal party for their first child together.
Spears has served on the Orange City Council and ran against Charles Ray Thomas, a newcomer to the city. Spears was still surprised by his margin of victory. He won with 80 percent of the votes, 941 to 246.
“I was very overwhelmed. I’m thankful. I’m blessed. I’m honored that the people of Orange stepped out and believed in me,” he told KOGT’s Gary Stelly Saturday night after the election returns were announced.
Spears said people in Orange have been displaced since Tropical Storm Harvey and many are still not back in their homes, but he appreciates that they took time out to vote.
Spears works at DowDuPont Sabine River Works and he said the company is “more than willing” to give him the time off he will need to serve as mayor. “I have their full support,” he said.
His plans include continuing the current direction the city is taking to bring new business to town, including the development of the Boardwalk Grille along the Riverfront in downtown. In addition, the city is working on getting commercial business to the area along Interstate 10 and 16th Street.
People need to be patient with the city as officials work with businesses. “It’s not going to happen overnight,” he said.
They won’t have to be patient, though, to learn about the newest addition to the Spears family. The couple is having a girl.
Spears will replace Jimmy Sims, who did not run for a second term as mayor. Paul Burch will fill Spears’s unexpired term as at-large councilor in Position 6. Burch was the only person to file for the seat.
Congratulations Paul Burch. It’s nice to see family be involved with politics.
Congratulations, Larry, on your win as the Mayor of Orange! I will be praying for you as you begin this new adventure in your life.
Larry will be one of the best Mayors we have had in 50 years. His hard work & compassion for our city I think will equal that of Brown Claybar & that’s saying a lot.
Our city is on the right track. Us voters did good.????
Congratulations Mr. Spears, Your Community stands with you to help grow Orange, and your sweet family♡.
Boni and Carol Gobert
Congratulations Larry on winning and on the soon to arrive baby girl. I feel you will do Orange a great job. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
Congratulations Mr. Spears, I’m from Orange Texas, but I have lived in Houston for 35 years. However, I’m excited for the city of Orange and the plans you have in place.
Congratulations to Larry and Paul!
Congratulations Larry. I am hopeful you will be much more interactive and productive than the last mayor. Best of luck!
I understand Mr. Thomas has hired a lawyer to contest him getting beat 6-1
I find that deplorable. What lawyer would
take that case. Who’s paying the lawyer?
We are so fortunate to have Larry Spears Jr. to lead us into a better Orange Texas.
Larry Spears Jr. Congratulations. Orange deserves a great dynamic person as yourself, May God continue to bless Orange , You ,and Your Family.
Ha this guy use to come to Quiznos a lot when I worked there back in high school 11 years ago. Crazy to see him as mayor now. Congrats!