Meet the Candidates: Interview with Tally Ragsdale

by Sarah-Victoria Lozano de Gonzalez

In the swift-paced 2023 Election, Tally Ragsdale took on Rees Langston, the incumbent City Council member for Place 4, falling short by a mere 20 votes.

Announcing her campaign on September 20th last year, Ragsdale, a familiar face on South Padre Island since childhood, envisioned a community where "every voice is heard." Her roots trace back to years of back-and-forth between her hometown, Perryton, Texas, and the island, eventually making SPI her full-time home in 2008.

Informed and politically engaged, Ragsdale's desire to step into politics grew over the years. Encouragement from her peers propelled her to run for City Council Place 4, a journey marked by lessons from her previous race.

Reflecting on her last campaign, Ragsdale recognized the importance of personal interactions with voters. Although limited by time constraints, she believes connecting one-on-one is pivotal for understanding the community's diverse needs.

Motivated by a vision of harmony across generations, Ragsdale emphasizes the necessity of community involvement. She acknowledges the support, ideas, and passion of South Padre residents as crucial for the island's future.

As the proprietor of her family's business, involved in condo rentals, and owning a beach umbrella service at the Saida Towers, Ragsdale's campaign slogan, "Making the Island Better, Together," embodies a balanced approach that prioritizes both citizens and visitors.

Recognizing the diversity of island businesses, Ragsdale advocates for collaboration and the formation of professional organizations for each industry. She aims to use her platform to unite community businesses for shared growth.

Ragsdale plans to address common internet issues, “Everybody I know has internet problems,” said Ragsdale on moving her phone companies to Verizon.

Ragsdale, a member of the SPI Chamber of Commerce, plans to explore opportunities in the Shoreline Task Force, leveraging her expertise. She encourages everyone to participate in the democratic process by casting their votes.

Tally Ragsdale can be contacted via Facebook messenger.

Sarah-Victoria Lozano de Gonzalez, a Brownsville native, holds degrees in Political Science and English from Baylor University.

She currently serves as a reporter for Island Matters, a digital newspaper covering news on South Padre Island, bringing with her legal expertise gained from various law firms, courthouses, and probation offices.

In her free time, she passionately advocates for children in CASA.

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