The Corpus Christi City Council voted on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, to initiate a formal process for the potential removal of Mayor Paulette Guajardo from office. This significant decision, passed with a 5-3 vote, stems from allegations of misconduct linked to a controversial hotel development project. The controversy centers on the approval of $2 million in tax incentives for a Homewood Suites hotel, with accusations that a presentation used in the decision-making process contained an altered FEMA flood map.
A citizen petition, filed in August 2025 by resident Rachel Caballero, served as the catalyst for the council’s action. While the Corpus Christi Police Department conducted an investigation into the matter, no criminal charges were filed. The council has scheduled a formal hearing to begin on April 14, 2026, where council members will act as judge and jury. This hearing process is expected to last up to two months, during which Mayor Guajardo will have the opportunity to defend herself and present witnesses. Mayor Guajardo has publicly stated that the allegations against her are without merit.
This political turmoil unfolds against the backdrop of a deepening water crisis in Corpus Christi. City leaders have expressed serious concerns about the city’s water supply, warning of a potential emergency as reservoirs reach critically low levels. The timing of the removal proceedings has led to debate among council members, with some arguing that the focus should be on addressing the water shortage. Council member Mark Scott, who voted against the removal process, emphasized the need to prioritize the city’s water supply. Conversely, other council members, such as Kaylyn Paxson, believe the removal hearing must proceed fairly. In an effort to alleviate the water crisis, the city is also exploring agreements to purchase water from a private desalination plant.
Adding to the complexity, a lawsuit has been filed by Ajit David, a competing hotel developer, who alleges that the tax incentives were granted based on misleading information. Despite denials of wrongdoing from city officials and the selected developer, the case highlights ongoing concerns regarding transparency and ethical governance in Corpus Christi. The removal petition further alleges that Mayor Guajardo made false statements under oath in a related deposition, intensifying the scrutiny on her leadership and decision-making processes.
