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Abel Garza sworn in as Texas City mayor; incoming commissioners take oaths
Summary
At a special May 13 meeting, Abel Garza took the mayoral oath and gave ceremonial remarks; six winners of the May 2 election were sworn in and delivered brief remarks. Outgoing mayor delivered farewell comments and presented a ceremonial gavel.
Abel Garza took the ceremonial oath and was sworn in as mayor of Texas City on May 13, 2026, and joined by the newly sworn commissioners who each delivered brief remarks thanking supporters and pledging service.
Garza repeated the oath and addressed the audience, saying, "Every voter, whether you supported me or not, I promise to serve you with fairness, transparency, and dedication." He listed priorities he described as safety, economic development and partnership with businesses, schools and city employees.
Other declared winners took their oaths and offered remarks. Wade Johnson (commissioner at large) said he looks forward to working with the new commission; Brian Timothy Getchus — whose name also appears as Gutches earlier in the transcript — called the election a "mandate for transparency" and credited citizen engagement; Deandre Knoxon (District 1) and Barbie Tucker (District 2) thanked family and supporters; Chris Sharp (District 3) emphasized transparency and accountability; and Jason Delgado (District 4) shared a personal story of redemption and thanked his family and supporters.
The outgoing mayor offered closing remarks, recounted a brief history of the city's charter and presented a ceremonial gavel dated "05/13/2026" to Mayor Garza. The commission concluded with short comments and adjourned after a motion to adjourn carried by voice vote.
Quotes used in this story come directly from speakers during the ceremonial oaths and remarks and are attributed to those speakers as recorded in the meeting transcript.
