Doug Svien resigns as Stephenville mayor; councilman David Baskett takes the helm.
- Sara Vanden Berge
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 5
After seven years serving as the mayor of Stephenville, Doug Svien formally resigned from his position on Wednesday.
City officials were alerted about Svien’s decision to step down as mayor in a letter, which cited a desire to slow down after having a stroke last year.
“While I continue to focus on my recovery, I believe this is in the best interest of both my health and the future of this council that I step down at this time,” the letter states.
“To my colleagues on the city council; thank you. It has been a true pleasure to work alongside each of you. You are dedicated and loyal citizens who sacrifice countless hours of your personal and family time in service to this community.”
Svien, now fully retired, said he plans to move closer to his kids.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the citizens of Stephenville,” Svien told Beneath the Surface News.
“We have come a long way, baby, and more good news is coming.”
Mayor Pro Tem David Baskett will serve as mayor in the interim.
“Mayor Svien has been a tremendous asset to the city of Stephenville and its residents,” Baskett said.
“We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a leader with such strong connections in Austin guiding our community. I’m especially grateful for the time he took to introduce me around Austin and share valuable lessons during our time together — it was both humbling and deeply appreciated.”
The Stephenville City Council is expected to call for a special election in November on Tuesday to finish Svien’s term, which expires in May 2026.
Baskett says he plans to run for the position.
Thank you, Mr. Svien. Your love and passion for serving the Stephenville community were contagious, and I appreciate the time you took to meet with my husband and me to share your vision. God bless you for all your years of service.