Former Mayor Cody Smith Wins Uvalde Mayoral Election, Promises to Unite and Focus on Economic Development

Uvalde, Texas held its first mayoral election since the Robb Elementary School shooting on Tuesday, with former mayor Cody Smith winning back the job. Smith was up against Kimberly Mata-Rubio, a mother whose 10-year-old daughter, Lexi, was killed in the 2022 mass shooting, and Veronica Martinez, an art teacher.

The election tested the mood of the South Texas town more than a year after the attack, which left 19 children dead, and a botched police response that is still under criminal investigation. Mata-Rubio campaigned on unifying the small town, which is still divided over the tragedy. Her candidacy put on the ballot one of Uvalde’s most outspoken advocates for answers and transparency.

Smith, who was mayor from 2014-2018, ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility and economic development. Martinez, the art teacher, ran on a platform of transparency and accountability in government.

The election was held to fill the seat vacated by Don McLaughlin, who announced earlier this year that he was pursuing a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. Smith won the election with a majority of the votes, while Mata-Rubio and Martinez received a combined total of less than half of the votes.

The election of Smith as mayor of Uvalde marks the first time the city has had a new leader since the Robb Elementary School shooting. Smith has promised to work to bring the city together and to focus on economic development. The community will be watching to see how he fulfills his promises.