Gary Bilyeu to run for Sanger Mayor

A proud Denton, Texas, native, Gary Bilyeu has called Sanger home since 1999. It is the community where he met his wife and where they chose to raise their family. Now finishing his eighth term on the Sanger City Council, Gary also serves as Mayor Pro-Tem. 

Bilyeu filed his candidacy paperwork to run for Mayor on Tuesday morning.  He’s been on the City Council since May of 2010.  “If I decided not to run for office again, then I would be very proud of the accomplishments during my eight terms on City Council.  Like most cities, we continue to face many challenges.  However, we will soon have a void in leadership.  This is a critical time for our city.  I believe that continuity of knowledge and experience along with proven leadership would serve the city well in meeting those challenges.  After much consideration, I decided to run for Mayor,” said Bilyeu, in an email Wednesday morning. 

The week before the filing period, which started Wednesday, January 14, Sanger Mayor Thomas Muir announced he wasn’t running for re-election.  Muir has been elected Mayor since May of 2010. “I wanted to make my intentions clear regarding the Mayoral position.  I have decided not to run for re-election.  My hope is that this announcement will allow extra time for thoughtful, well-considered, decisions by those that might consideration running for Mayor.

“Personally, when I started in elected position, I hoped to use my service as an example to teach my children the importance of serving others by investing in a town that means so much to our family.  With all our kids basically out of the house now and with our last one down at UT in Austin, Elizabeth and I have entered a new phase.  We have three grandchildren.  It is time to invest personally in the next generation of our family and spend some extra time together.  Additionally, there are some personal ministry opportunities and initiatives in my business that I would also like to press into more fully.  I look forward to focusing more effort toward these areas. It is certainly hard to step away from something in which I have been so invested, but I think the time is right to make the transition.”

Bilyeu’s dedication to public service began long before his council tenure, with past leadership roles including: President of the Sanger Area Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Planning & Zoning Committee, and member of the Board of Adjustments.

Gary earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Texas before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Over a distinguished 29-year military career, he rose through the ranks as in Infantry Officer, guided by a deep sense of duty, honor, and service to others.

That same deep-rooted sense of service continues to guide Gary’s work today. He is passionate about giving back, whether supporting his community, empowering local educators and students, or championing the wellbeing of fellow Veterans, a cause especially close to his heart. Gary believes true fulfillment comes from lifting others up and making a lasting difference wherever and whenever possible.

Professionally, Gary is a Financial Advisor and the owner of KFA Financial, a financial services firm located in downtown Sanger. He currently serves on the board of directors for Cowtown Warriors (a nonprofit veterans organization) and recently finished his term as president of the Sanger Education Foundation. 

City and School Board Election Update:

 As of Wednesday, February 4th morning, the seats for city council Place 2 and Place 4 remain empty for the May 2, 2026 local election.  City Councilman Gary Bilyeu has filed to run for Mayor.  

  Open places on the council are Place 2 - Gary Bilyeu (This place will be vacated since he is running for Mayor) and Place 4 - Allen Chick.  Bilyeu has been on the council since 2010 and Chick’s first term started in 2014.     

On Wednesday., Chick said he planned on picking up an election packet this week, but didn’t confirm if he would be seeking another term on the city council. Mayor Thomas Muir announced in early January he will not seek another term. He’s been Mayor since May of 2010.

Sanger ISD has three places up on the ballot:. They are held by: Place 7 - Bruce Elsey, Place 6 - Mitch Hammonds and Place 1 - Jarrod Roberts.          As of February 4, Roberts and Drew Hall, have turned in their packets for Place 1 and Hammonds has filed for Place 6. Elsey confirmed Wednesday, he will be picking up a packet  and file this week for Place 6. 

The last day to file is Friday, February 13 at the close of business.  Applications are available at City Hall and Sanger ISD Administration buildings.