Good afternoon, friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens of Texas City.
My name is Abel Garza. I am honored to announce my candidacy for mayor of Texas City. Just like you, I am a proud member of this community. I am someone who has walked our streets, supported our local businesses, and shared in the successes and challenges that affect our daily lives.
This decision was not made lightly, rather, this decision came from numerous conversations with residents, from listening to your concerns, your hopes, and your vision for what Texas City can become. I have heard you speak about the need for transparency in government, about the desire for safer neighborhoods, and I’ve heard your mention about how a thriving local economy that works for everyone. I have heard you ask for leadership that listens, that acts, and that puts people before politics.
And I am here to say: I hear you. I am ready to serve.
Texas City is a place of resilience. We have weathered storms—literally and figuratively—and we have come out stronger each time. But strength alone is not enough. We need direction. We need innovation. We need leadership that understands the complexities of municipal governance and is committed to building a future that reflects the values of our people.
As mayor, I will prioritize five concerns:
1. Transparency and Accountability.
We deserve a city government that operates in the open, that communicates clearly and honestly, and that earns your trust every single day. Citizens should be able to address the City Commission regarding any of their concerns and complaints at all commission meetings and not be restricted to items that are only listed on the
city agenda. Also, citizens should not have to sign a Nondisclosure agreement when requesting to speak with any city employee at City Hall. I will publish detailed budget breakdowns and ensure that major decisions made are open to public comments.
2. Public Safety.
We must ensure that our first responders, that is the police and fire departments, and the Emergency Management Department, have the personnel they need to keep us safe. I will work diligently to improve department morale, reduce turnover by opening lines of communication between department heads, employees and employee unions and I will work to have an independent evaluation of issues and problems that led to the large number of experienced certified police offices to leave.
3. Economic Growth and Opportunity.
I will continue to support small businesses, attract responsible investment, and continue to work with our educational system to create job training programs that prepare our workforce for the future. We will build a local economy that uplifts every resident—from our youth to our seniors.
But beyond policies and plans, this campaign is about people. It is about you. It is about the single parent working two jobs to make ends meet. It is about a retiree who wants to feel safe walking to the park. It is about a student who dreams of a future right here in their hometown.
4. City Commission Agenda Items and Citizens Being Heard
I will support that two City Commissioners have the authority to place items on the City agenda and that the process will not require mayor approval.
5. City Charter Review Committee
During the past three years, I have been approached about reviewing our current form of government from a strong mayor form of government to a City Manager concept. If elected, my plan is to form a City Charter Review Committee to review, update and recommend changes to the City Charter.
Additionally, I bring to this race not just experience, but a deep commitment to fairness, to structured problem-solving, and to the belief that government should be a tool for empowerment—not obstruction. I believe in listening before leading, I believe in facts before fear, and I believe in building coalitions that reflect the diversity and strength of our city. Afterall, this community belongs to all of us and not to just the elected officials.
My campaign will be rooted in respect, in ideas, and in actions. I invite you to join me—not just as supporters, but as partners. Knock on doors with me. Share your stories. Challenge me with your questions. Let’s build this movement together.
Texas City deserves a mayor who sees the whole picture—who understands the technical, the business, the emotional, and the practical dimensions of leadership. I am ready to be that mayor.
So today, I ask for your support. I ask for your trust. And I ask for your vote.
Let’s write the next chapter of Texas City—together.
Thank you for taking the time to listen.
May GOD bless America, may GOD bless Texas City and may GOD bless each of you.
