Paula Taylor sworn in after special election; council canvasses Jan. 31 returns

City staff on Feb. 9 presented the official returns of the Jan. 31, 2026 special election to fill the unexpired Ward A seat and the council formally canvassed and declared Paula Taylor the winner.

The returns: staff reported Paula Taylor received 245 votes (0 mail ballots, 107 early votes, 138 election-day votes) and Cara Bonin received 100 votes (0 mail ballots, 29 early votes, 71 election-day votes). There was one undervote in early voting, for a total of 346 ballots cast. Staff said the turnout represented about 4.5% of registered Ward A voters.

Council action and oath: Councilmember Court moved to adopt an ordinance canvassing the election results and declaring Paula Taylor as Councilmember for Ward A (term to May 2027); Councilmember Smith seconded. The council approved the ordinance by voice vote, the mayor issued a certificate of election, and Paula Taylor was administered the oath of office.

Taylors remarks: After being sworn in, Paula Taylor thanked voters and said she planned to work to earn the trust of residents who did not vote for her. She also said she would resign her position on the Keep Katy Beautiful board as required by her new role.

Why it matters: The canvass formalizes the special-election outcome and fills the unexpired Ward A term through May 2027. Staff recorded turnout and ballot-count details at the meeting but no contested challenges were raised during the session.

What remains: The certificate of election was issued at the meeting; no additional hearings or recounts were recorded in the transcript.