CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — While last month’s General Election equipped Corpus Christi’s mayoral race with nine candidates, the December run-off election is now pitting two, incumbent Joe McComb against Councilwoman Paulette Guajardo.
Following councilman Everett Roy, who didn’t seek re-election within District 1, candidates Rachel Ann Caballero and Billy Lerma will be going head-to-head, and in District 4, Kaylynn Paxson, who was seen campaigning in front of the courthouse today, is vying for councilman Greg Smith’s seat.
This weekend began the early voting period, which was held exclusively at the Nueces County Courthouse.
Starting Monday, Dec. 7, those centers will be expanded and include ten additional locations, which can be found here.
Early voting will end Friday, Dec. 11 ahead of the Dec. 15 election on Tuesday.
KRIS 6 News spoke with several voters, and although their views differed, they all agreed this election is important to Corpus Christi’s future.
"I really do think it will be a close race,” said Grace Koch, who voted for Guajardo and made clear she believes it’s time for younger people to run the city. “I know her personally as well and I know that she has great business experience.”
Priscilla Berlanga also voted for Guajardo, this time saying that she feels as if the city has been stuck in neutral.
“I didn’t see anything that we actually achieved or we advanced in as a city,” Berlanga said. “(Guajardo will) do an amazing job — she’s trustworthy, honest, and she’s true, and she’s a hard worker.”
Shawn Bodine, who said he hopes his city can one day be appealing enough for younger people to stay, said he voted to re-elect McComb, adding that the mayor has instead moved the city in a forward direction.
“He’s done a real good job, so I think he will continue to do a good job,” Bodine said. “We’ve got to continue to work to keep the streets maintained — which has been an issue. And, we need to continue growing and attracting industry and manufacturing and things of that nature.”
Raymond Rivas wouldn’t say who he voted for, but said it was important to him to practice his civic duty, and choosing the one most qualified.
“Leadership carves out the future of our city,” Rivas said. “(From) our streets, our water supply — our public safety personnel — all that’s very important.
