The lifelong Tyler resident and former District 1 council member takes the helm with a focus on infrastructure, public safety, and strengthening neighborhoods
Tyler has a new mayor. On Wednesday, June 24, Stuart Hene was sworn into office for the 2026-2028 term, stepping up after five years of serving the city as its District 1 councilmember from 2021 to 2026.
Hene comes into the role with a clear set of priorities and a familiar message: build on what’s already been started. Throughout his campaign, he emphasized continuing the foundation laid by recent city improvement projects. His goals as mayor include investing in infrastructure and public safety, strengthening neighborhoods and housing, and building opportunities for the community while maintaining Tyler’s quality of life.
The way he plans to get there, he says, is through collaboration — among council members, city employees, and residents alike. “Accomplishments can only be produced by the sum of efforts from all supporters, employees, and residents alike,” Hene said. “In order to build a better tomorrow, we must continue the foundation provided by yesterday.” His stated goal, both as a councilman and now as mayor, is to keep Tyler a thriving community for residents and businesses.
Meet the Mayor
Hene is a Tylerite through and through. He grew up in the city, attending Rice Elementary, Hubbard Middle School, and Robert E. Lee High School before heading to Baylor University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. After Baylor, he worked at the Texas State Capitol and consulted on local political campaigns, then went on to earn his law degree, along with a certificate in business law, from Oklahoma City University School of Law.
Today, Hene practices law as co-founder and partner at Tarry & Hene, PLLC, and serves as president of Prestige Energy Consultants, a small oil and gas consulting firm he runs alongside his father, Paul Hene. His record of community service runs deep: he currently serves on the board of St. Paul Children’s Services, and has previously served on the City of Tyler’s Civil Service Commission and Parks and Recreation Board, in leadership roles with the Smith County Bar Association and Young Lawyers Association, and in committees at Marvin United Methodist Church.
Away from work, Hene is a family man. He and his wife, Sarah, have two young sons and are members of Marvin UMC. In his spare time, he loves to travel with his family, is an avid golfer, and enjoys cooking — he’s especially known for his famous Chex Mix, dubbed “Winterburch Crunch.”
Congratulations to Mayor Hene as he begins his term leading the city he’s called home his whole life.
