Richmond sets May 2 mayoral election and approves joint election contract with Fort Bend County

The Richmond City Commission on Feb. 9 adopted an ordinance calling a general election for mayor on May 2, 2026, and unanimously approved a joint election agreement with Fort Bend County to provide election services for that election.

Staff told the commission the ordinance (Ordinance No. 2026-04) had to be adopted before a statutory deadline, which necessitated calling a special meeting rather than waiting for the next regular session. Commissioner Barry Beard moved to approve the ordinance; Commissioner Carl Drozd seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The commission then considered Resolution No. 37-2026, a Joint Election Agreement and Contract for Election Services with Fort Bend County. Staff described the agreement as substantially the same as contracts used in prior city elections and said outside counsel had reviewed it without comment. Commissioners asked about likely polling locations; staff identified the Water Maintenance Facility as a confirmed site and said the George Memorial Library location was still being finalized.

Commissioner Carl Drozd moved to approve the joint election agreement; Commissioner Terry Gaul seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The actions put the City on the schedule to hold the mayoral election on May 2, 2026 using joint county election services.

The commission took no additional action on election logistics at the Feb. 9 meeting; staff said they would finalize and report back on remaining details such as additional polling sites and participating entities.

The special meeting was called to order by Mayor Becky Haas at 4:31 p.m., and the commission adjourned to executive session at 5:02 p.m. before reconvening later that evening.