City swears in new mayor

TYLER – Keep the momentum. Build for the future. That’s the message Stuart Hene carried throughout his campaign, and it’s the trajectory he plans to continue as he steps into his new role as Tyler’s mayor. 

On Wednesday, June 24, elected Mayor Stuart Hene was sworn into office for the 2026-2028 term. He brings 5 years of experience serving as the District 1 councilmember from 2021 to 2026, demonstrating a strong commitment to public service and the Tyler community. 

Throughout his campaign, Hene emphasized the importance of building on the foundation created by City improvement projects. His goals include: Investing in infrastructure and public safety. Strengthening neighborhoods and housing. And, building opportunities for the community and maintaining the quality of life. 
 
Hene plans to accomplish his vision for a better Tyler by continuing collaboration between council members, City employees, and all of his constituents. 

 
“Accomplishments can only be produced by the sum of efforts from all supporters, employees, and residents alike. In order to build a better tomorrow, we must continue the foundation provided by yesterday,” is Stuart’s stance on the attitude he will carry over from councilman to Mayor. His goal has been, and will be, to ensure Tyler remains a thriving community for residents and businesses alike. 

As a lifelong Tylerite, Mayor Stuart Hene attended Rice Elementary, Hubbard Middle School, and Robert E. Lee High School, then attended Baylor University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. After graduating from Baylor, Stuart worked at the Texas State Capitol and consulted on local political campaigns before attending Oklahoma City University School of Law. He earned a Juris Doctor and a Certificate in Business Law, Financial Services, with a concentration in Commercial Law.  
 
Today, Stuart practices law as the co-founder and partner at Tarry & Hene, PLLC. He also serves as the President of Prestige Energy Consultants, a small oil and gas consulting firm he operates alongside his father, Paul Hene.  
 
Stuart currently serves on the Board of St. Paul Children’s Services. His long history of civil service to the community is best exemplified by where he’s served. Previously, he served on the City of Tyler’s Civil Service Commission and the City of Tyler’s Parks and Recreation Board, the Finance Committee and Staff Parish Relations Committee at Marvin United Methodist Church, the Texas Bar Foundation’s District 2, as the Director on the Board of the Smith County Bar Association, the Law Day Co-Chair for the Smith County Bar Association, and was an officer in the Smith County Young Lawyers Association. 
 
Stuart is married to Sarah; together, they have two young sons and are members of Marvin UMC. In his spare time, Stuart loves to travel with his family, is an avid golfer, and loves to cook. When he is not golfing or grilling, he is making his famous Chex Mix, “Winterburch Crunch.”