By: Natalie Greene
The 2025 Fort Bend Candidate Forum, held on April 26 at the University of Houston at Sugar Land, brought voters face-to-face with the people vying to shape their city’s future. While the forum included candidates from school boards and city councils, the race for Sugar Land Mayor was the main attraction. With local growth, flood recovery, and business revitalization at the forefront, candidates laid out sharply distinct visions for a city in transition.
Hosted by a coalition of civic organizations—including EMGAGE, BakerRipley, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the League of Women Voters—the event created a space for in-person civic engagement. Voters asked questions and listened closely as four of six mayoral candidates took the stage. Running for mayor are Carol McCutcheon, Naushad Kermally, Michelle Mikeska, William Ferguson, Alex J. Sowell, and Sarwar Khan.
Supporting Local Business
Candidates were asked how they plan to support the city’s small business community and strengthen Sugar Land’s economic core.
William Ferguson emphasized shopping locally:
“Macy’s, Dillard’s—I don’t know. You gotta purchase local. Our government’s doing all we can to bring the business here, bring the consumer here, and we will continue to do that.”
Carol McCutcheon referenced a new city partnership to improve commercial shopping centers:
“We do have a new program here where the city is partnering with smaller businesses at shopping centers, so you can have façade and lighting improvements. By revitalizing the exterior of shopping centers, that’s going to help bring in new businesses.”
Naushad Kermally cited his direct work with business owners:
“Forty-six of my pop-up banners are within small businesses because I’ve been working with them. It’s vital—they put in their entire 401(k) to open up their business. In 2019, when Sugar Land Town Center was empty, I got in. Now it’s BB Italia, State Fair, Sweet Paris—it’s not 50% empty like I said earlier. It’s thriving.”
Preparing for Floods and Storms
Candidates also shared their strategies for building a more resilient city in the face of climate events like Hurricane Harvey and recent rain disasters.
Naushad Kermally discussed proactive planning:
“We’re going to make sure that we’re resilient by having companies ready to come and service here. I have contacts with CenterPoint Energy… and we passed a $350 million bond so we can make sure that flooding is not going to happen inside your home.”
Carol McCutcheon highlighted completed and ongoing infrastructure improvements:
“We had homes that flooded during Hurricane Harvey and during the May 2019 rain event. Some flooded in both. In the November 2024 bond election, we approved another $35 million for drainage projects. We also partnered with about 20 agencies to secure $42 million to address Brazos River erosion.”
William Ferguson spoke on the financial stakes of flood prevention:
“Our city is appraised around $22 billion. That Brazos River alone could affect 40 to 50% of the value of our city. Regional partners—TxDOT, the Brazos River Authority, federal and state governments—have really done a great job protecting us.”
Building Energy Security
Michelle Mikeska offered an innovative proposal to safeguard against power outages:
“What we have not addressed is the power grid. Growing up here in Sugar Land, I was not worried about the power going out as often as I am now. ERCOT is undependable. The solution is microgrids powered by solar energy. There are grants galore for this. It wouldn’t cost the city money, and it’s environmentally responsible.”
Final Messages to Voters
Each candidate closed with a message of leadership, experience, and connection to the community.
Carol McCutcheon:
“I have the knowledge, experience, and leadership qualities needed to keep Sugar Land strong. I want to keep our tax rate as low as possible while maintaining critical services.”
William Ferguson:
“Safety is your top priority. Economic development is my second. And third, I want to put this city back together emotionally—we are the most divided city right now during this election.”
Michelle Mikeska:
“We’ve lost 10,000 residents since 2019. As a mom of a six-year-old, I have plans to bring young families back. I’m a mayor for everyone.”
Naushad Kermally:
“I’m the only one that’s run a billion-dollar business. Sugar Land has a $450 million budget. I promise to wedge myself into every city manager and director meeting. I’ll give it my all.”
A Vision of Stability and Growth
Whether talking about drainage, development, or day-to-day leadership, candidates gave voters a wide range of ideas for how they would build a better Sugar Land. The forum underscored just how much is at stake—and how deeply leadership can impact the daily lives of residents.
Election Day is Saturday, May 3. Early voting is underway. Learn more at FortBendVotes.org.
