A total of 21 candidates are battling for five open seats on the Dallas City Council in Saturday's municipal election.
The contest to replace term-limited Councilwoman Angela Hunt drew seven candidates, but four other races have four opponents.
In her eight years on the City Council, Hunt was known for speaking up, sometimes opposing mayors and the city manager.
"And [I] would think constituents in that district will expect a new representative to play a similarly active role," said Matthew Wilson, Southern Methodist University political science.
"It's highly likely there will be a runoff," he said. "I don't see one candidate running away with things to put it away early on."
Out of the 15 people who sit at the council table, only Mayor Mike Rawlings is not for re-election.
The five vacant seats are the result of term limits, redistricting and one member who chose not to seek re-election.
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Three incumbents are unopposed.
Two incumbents -- Councilman Scott Griggs and Councilwoman Delia Jasso -- face each other as the result of redistricting. Both now both live in District 1.
Councilwomen Pauline Medrano and Linda Koop are also leaving the council because of term limits.
Councilwoman Ann Margolin is not seeking re-election.
"With a city that's becoming more ethnically diverse, more Democratic, I think that turnover will reflect some of that new diversity in the city," Wilson said.
If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote Saturday, the top two finalists will face a June 15 runoff.
Many North Texas cities and school districts are conducting elections Saturday.
