In a twist worthy of a Hollywood script, Pasadena has crowned its newest City Council member not through a recount, not through litigation—but with a coin toss. And not just any council member: meet Bianca Valerio, the city’s first-ever Latina to win a seat on the Pasadena City Council, sealing the victory in a moment that electrified a standing-room-only chamber and left the community inspired.

After a razor-thin June 7 runoff that ended in a dead-even 272 to 272 tie with longtime resident Bruce Leamon, 74, the race came down to chance. But fate—and a well-practiced coin toss—was on Valerio’s side. On Monday morning, surrounded by family, supporters, and city officials, the 34-year-old Pasadena native called “heads,” and history responded in kind.

“This is a meaningful moment for me, my family, and my city,” Valerio said, her voice filled with emotion and triumph. “I’m third-generation Pasadena. This has been a long journey and a yearlong campaign. I’m thrilled to have won—even if I wish it had come down to more voters instead of a coin. Still, this shows every vote counts, and democracy truly matters.”

 Sandra Levine,Bianca Valerio, and Burt Levine
 

The Power of Persistence—and Practice

Valerio’s journey to this milestone was anything but luck driven. After placing first in the May 3 election with 40% of the vote to Leamon’s 37%, she continued to hit the pavement—literally—walking the neighborhoods of Harris County’s second-largest city. Known for its Tex-Mex flavor, country music charm, and chemical plant skyline, Pasadena is now also known for breaking barriers.

“I freak out when I lose $20. Losing an election? That’s on another level,” Valerio quipped, admitting she even practiced coin tosses with her family in anticipation of Monday’s tiebreaker. “But I work to earn what I achieve. I want to be the voice for the taxpayers in my district.”

A City with Latino Roots—Now Represented

Pasadena, home to more than 151,000 residents, is 68% Hispanic, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet until now, no Latina had ever been elected to its City Council. Valerio’s win is a major step forward in bringing reflective representation to a community whose identity and culture are deeply rooted in Hispanic heritage.

Mayor Pro-Tem Ruben Villareal, who chaired the special meeting, emphasized the importance of civic participation: “If one more person had voted—just one—we wouldn't be here. Let that be a lesson to us all: local elections matter.”

Even her opponent, Leamon, echoed this sentiment: “In a district with thousands of registered voters and under 10% turnout, it’s clear how critical each voice is.”

From Pasadena Pride to Civic Leadership

Valerio is no stranger to community engagement. A graduate of Pasadena High School’s Class of 2009 and a top-tier student, she earned scholarships that took her to Simmons University before embarking on a successful career in business and management nationwide. But her heart never left Houston.

“I’ve been a Rodeo kid, a theater student, an athlete—and now, a council member,” she said. “My roots here are deep, and so is my love for this city.”

Her priorities are grounded in public safety, infrastructure, and environmental equity. From fixing sidewalks to championing flood mitigation, Valerio is especially passionate about Pasadena’s green spaces, pledging her continued support for public parks and community gardens.

A Symbol of What’s Possible

Bianca Valerio’s win wasn’t just a win for her district—it’s a win for visibility, progress, and the democratic process itself. It’s a win for every little girl in Pasadena who now sees herself reflected in her city’s leadership. It’s a reminder that your vote counts, your voice matters, and yes, even a coin toss can change the course of history.

As she steps into this new chapter, one thing is certain: Council Member Valerio is no fluke—she’s a force.