Austin elections: What we're watching - Axios AustinLog InLog InAxios Austin is an Axios company.

Three things we' re watching in Austin elections returns

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios While the top-of-the-ticket matchup between Beto O'Rourke and Gov. Greg Abbott will earn the most attention in Texas on Election Night — the state's policy direction on immigration, abortion, environmental protection and social services hangs in the balance — we're keen on the outcome of a few local races. Here are our three big questions.

Will we get a clear result Election Night in the Austin mayor' s race

Former state senator and former mayor Kirk Watson has raised vastly more than his challengers in , and enjoys support from key unions and moderate Republicans and Democrats.Yes, but: State Rep. Celia Israel has won the endorsements of both the Austin American-Statesman and the Austin Chronicle, and has presented herself as a progressive who . With six candidates in the field, will we get a clear winner who corrals at least 50% of the vote (plus one vote) — or will two of them head to a December runoff? Read our interviews with , , and conservative-minded .

What shade of purple are the Leander and Round Rock school districts

Conservatives are of key suburban Austin school boards.Candidates in politically purple Round Rock and Leander are pushing a "Texas values" and "pro-freedom" agenda. Why it matters: Schools have become ground zero and the school boards set district goals, hire superintendents and set budgets. The direction races like these go will help inform the strategies of state and national politics going forward. A look at

How will the Austin bonds fare

Austin Independent School District, Austin Community College and the city of Austin are asking voters to collectively approve more than $3 billion worth of bonds.State of play: Against a backdrop of spiking inflation and general anxiety about the economy, it could be a tricky plealooks. Yes, but: There's a lot of wealth coursing through Austin right now, and these institutions say they need the money to keep up with community needs. Read to the bond proposals. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

More Austin stories

No stories could be found Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Austin.Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.