THE LONGEST-TERMED MAYOR IN THE history of La Marque will close the door on his run as Bobby Hocking announced on Wednesday that he would not seek re-election come next May.
“It is with a sense of gratitude for the past and a great sense of hope for the future that I’m announcing that I will not seek re-election in May of 2021,” posted Hocking on his Facebook page. “I intend to serve my last and tenth year as mayor of my hometown with everything that is within me. I make this announcement at this time to be fair to future candidates, so they may have time to plan and prepare.
“I love La Marque and our citizens. The First Lady and I appreciate all the kindness you have expressed over the years. Peace and blessings be yours.”
Hocking has guided La Marque since taking over the remainder of the term of then-Mayor Geraldine Sam in 2011 before being re-elected to three-year terms in 2012, 2015 and 2018.
Under Hocking’s leadership, La Marque has seen a comeback after years of decline made the city an afterthought. His economic vision has led to a host of businesses calling La Marque home along with the building a new fire station. Perhaps his biggest accomplishment was turning Bayou Fest into one of the area’s most popular festivals that has seen both local and national musical talents headline the weekend event.
The city rallied around his leadership in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, as Hocking was front and center guiding the community during the challenges before and after the storm. At the peak of the historic hurricane, Hocking was actively finding places to stay for those who had been flooded out of their homes.
A retired pastor, Hocking has also been an accomplished musician who has performed across the state, including at Bayou Fest.
The announcement of Hocking’s decision will create yet another change of watch across Galveston County, which will now have five mayoral openings. Both Galveston’s Jim Yarbrough (term limits) and Texas City’s Matt Doyle were supposed to have been replaced on Saturday, but the presence of COVID-19 has put the election dates of both on hold. Dickinson’s Julie Masters will not seek another term, while Nassau Bay’s Mark Denman will remain in office until a new date is set for an election.
