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Mayoral election in Corpus Christi, Texas (2024)

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← 2022
2024 Corpus Christi elections
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Election dates
Filing deadline: August 19, 2024
General election: November 5, 2024
Runoff election: December 14, 2024
Election stats
Offices up: Mayor
Total seats up: 1 (click here for other city elections)
Election type: Nonpartisan
Other municipal elections
U.S. municipal elections, 2024

The city of Corpus Christi, Texas, held a general election for mayor on November 5, 2024. A general runoff election was scheduled for December 14, 2024. The filing deadline for this election was August 19, 2024.

As of 2024, Corpus Christi had term limits for the position of mayor. Mayors could serve four consecutive two-year terms and could run again after a six year break.


Elections

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Candidates and results

General runoff election

General runoff election for Mayor of Corpus Christi

Incumbent Paulette Guajardo defeated Michael Hunter in the general runoff election for Mayor of Corpus Christi on December 14, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Paulette Guajardo
Paulette Guajardo (Nonpartisan)
 
50.6
 
14,283
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Submit photo
Michael Hunter (Nonpartisan)
 
49.4
 
13,933

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 28,216
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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General election

General election for Mayor of Corpus Christi

The following candidates ran in the general election for Mayor of Corpus Christi on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Paulette Guajardo
Paulette Guajardo (Nonpartisan)
 
47.6
 
46,759
✔
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Michael Hunter (Nonpartisan)
 
34.6
 
33,966
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
11.3
 
11,058
Image of Joshua Fraedrick
Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
4.6
 
4,554
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Anthem Powers (Nonpartisan)
 
1.0
 
949
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
John Calkusic (Nonpartisan)
 
0.9
 
848

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 98,134
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Additional elections on the ballot

See also: Texas elections, 2024

What's on your ballot?
Find out using Ballotpedia’s Sample Ballot Tool


March 5, 2024
May 4, 2024
May 28, 2024
June 15, 2024
November 5, 2024
December 14, 2024

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

I will prioritize public needs before corporate greed. We need to stop slashing the budgets for city services that directly impact our quality of life. We need to invest resources in our neighborhood roads and sidewalks, neighborhood parks, libraries, senior and recreation services. We need to adequately fund and staff vector control, solid waste, and animal care services.

We can invest in the resources by requiring rich corporations to pay their fair share. Right now billion-dollar corporations don't have to pay taxes, they pay fees which only account for 9% of our general fund budget. They've been getting sweetheart deals from the city for decades; these handouts need to stop because they come at the expense of the people.

We need to protect our environment--the water, air, and soil. The city's desalination plans will destroy the bay and threaten local economic sectors that rely on the bay. The desalination plans are to recruit more polluting industries to our areas, which will harm our health and well-being. Our asthma, cancer, and other illness-related statistics are already too high. We don't need more industry that will make our community sicker. Not only is desalination bad for the environment and our health, it is bad for our utility rates as well. Moreover, we need leadership willing to monitor these industries. I will prioritize collaborating with universities and non-governmental organizations to monitor our air, water, and soil.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JoshuaFraedrick2024.jpg

Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan)

Community-Centric Leadership: I am committed to putting the needs of Corpus Christi residents first. By prioritizing transparency and public input in decision-making, I aim to ensure that our city government truly serves the people.

Sustainable Solutions for Infrastructure: Our roads and water systems are in urgent need of attention. I will focus on fixing our crumbling roads and implementing sustainable water management practices, avoiding harmful short-term fixes like desalination plants.

Compassionate Approach to Housing and Environment: I believe in a holistic strategy to tackle homelessness through the Housing First model, while also fostering green spaces by increasing native trees in our parks. Together, we can create a vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally-friendly Corpus Christi.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

The area of public policy I am most passionate about is policy that focuses on public infrastructure. The issues related to desalination and our city's water supply compelled me to run for office. I also think that public institutions and spaces like libraries, recreation programs, senior centers, and parks are critical to quality-of-life issues, so I find myself thinking and reading about that often too.
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Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan)

I’m passionate about infrastructure improvement and sustainability. A strong infrastructure is essential for mobility and economic growth, so I prioritize long-term solutions for our roads rather than temporary fixes. At the same time, I advocate for sustainable water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting, and increasing green spaces by planting native trees in our parks. By focusing on these areas, we can create a resilient and environmentally responsible community for all residents of Corpus Christi.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

I admire Dolores Huerta immensely. She's served as an inspiration to me for a really long time. She was a teacher, but when she saw that her students were starving and cold and she concluded that the children would not be able to learn effectively because their parents, who were farm workers, were not getting paid enough, she left her teaching job to try to help the farmworkers. To me, that was so admirable. She is so smart and tenacious, and even into her 90s, she's still trying to make a difference. I love her so much.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

The books that immediately come to mind that can help the public understand my political philosophy are: _Palaces for the People_ by Eric Klinenberg; _American Society How It Really Works_ by Eric Olin Wright and Joel Rogers, _The Rich and the Rest of Us_ by Tavis Smiley and Cornel West; and _Wealth and Democracy_ by Kevin Phillips. There are more, but I think this is a good list with which to start, and you will see their ideas and even phrasing when I talk about my priorities and platform.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

A willingness to view items that come before the council from multiple perspectives, especially from vulnerable and marginalized segments of the population.
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Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan)

The most important characteristics of an elected official include integrity, accountability, empathy, vision, and collaboration. Integrity fosters trust through honesty and transparency, while accountability ensures they take responsibility for their decisions. Empathy allows officials to understand and address the diverse needs of the community. A clear vision guides effective policy-making, and collaboration with residents and stakeholders creates solutions that benefit everyone. Together, these principles enable elected officials to serve their constituents effectively and positively impact the community.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

I'm smart. I'm hardworking. I believe in government and its power to act affirmatively for the community. I'm thoughtful, and I think my sociological imagination and the way I was trained as a sociologist will help me be a successful officeholder.
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Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan)

I believe my strong moral compass and integrity are key qualities that would make me a successful officeholder. I am committed to making decisions that prioritize the well-being of our community and uphold ethical standards in all my actions. My dedication to transparency and accountability ensures that residents can trust their government and feel heard. Additionally, my ability to listen and empathize with diverse perspectives allows me to address the needs of all constituents effectively. Coupled with a proactive approach to problem-solving, these qualities will help me lead with purpose and foster a positive, inclusive environment for Corpus Christi.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

Important core responsibilities are to listen to constituents, to also try to learn from those who don't have the time or resources to make it to council meetings. Most recently, I've come to appreciate that the mayor needs to know Robert's Rules of Order and to use them, otherwise they lose control of the council meetings.
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Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan)

The core responsibilities of a mayor include representing the interests of the community, ensuring effective governance, and fostering public engagement. A mayor must advocate for the needs of residents while being transparent and accountable in decision-making. They are also responsible for wisely managing the city’s budget and resources, prioritizing infrastructure, public safety, and essential services. Additionally, the mayor should work collaboratively with local organizations, government entities, and community members to create innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for all citizens. Ultimately, the role requires strong leadership and a commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable city.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

I want people to feel hope with the way I work and serve the community. I would like to hope that I can inspire them to feel that they deserve better than what they are getting from our public institutions.
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Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan)

I want to leave a legacy of a sustainable and vibrant Corpus Christi, where the community thrives in harmony with the environment. My goal is to create lasting policies that prioritize responsible growth, protect our natural resources, and ensure access to clean water for all residents. I envision a city that embraces renewable energy, enhances green spaces, and fosters a culture of conservation and environmental stewardship. By empowering residents to take part in this journey, I hope to inspire future generations to continue building a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally-conscious community, ensuring that Corpus Christi remains a beautiful place to live for years to come.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

All events in the past are historical. Personally, I would say the birth of my brother, Juan, was a major event in my life. I was four. I remember getting to carry him and was so excited the first time I carried him. I remembered trying to prepare myself, so I would carry him safely. The first historical major public historical event I remember as a child was going to Buc Stadium to hear Presidential candidate Walter Mondale speak. I don't remember him speaking, but I remember going and that being a big deal because this might be the next president of the United States. I think I was about 8 or 9.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

My first job was working at my grandmother's store, the TexMex Newstand. I used to scrape gum off the ground, clean the display cases and store front window, sweep the store front, and cut herbs. I did that work for years. I lived in the house that was connected to my grandma's store
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

Please look at my list of books related to my political philosophy, as I love all those books.
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Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan)

Bilbo Baggins.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

As a leader, the mayor is in charge of the agenda and running the council meetings which means they play an influential role in setting the priorities and vision for the city. They also can send important messages to the community by the type of people they appoint to committees and by the choices they make in which events and meetings to attend and not attend.
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Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan)

To me, being a mayor means embodying the values of leadership, service, and community connection. A mayor should inspire and unite residents around a shared vision for the city, fostering collaboration and engagement. This role involves being accessible and listening to constituents' concerns, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making. It also means taking responsibility for the well-being of the community by advocating for effective policies, promoting sustainable development, and addressing pressing issues like infrastructure and housing. Ultimately, a mayor is a steward of the city's future, dedicated to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community for all.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

In this instance, the mayor's top priority is to read, review, and reflect on the memos, agendas, updates, presentations given and to ask questions on behalf of different interest groups and segments of the population within the community.
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Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan)

The mayor's top priority should be to provide strong leadership and vision for the city while ensuring effective collaboration between the city council and the city manager. The mayor should focus on setting clear policy goals that reflect the community's needs and aspirations, advocating for those priorities during council discussions. Additionally, fostering open communication with residents and encouraging public engagement in governance is vital. By championing transparency and accountability, the mayor can help ensure that the city manager's administration aligns with the interests of the community, creating a responsive and effective local government.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

I love and admire the people. I collected over 900 signatures from registered voters to get on the ballot. During that process, I met a lot of people. A lot of them shared with me their concerns about the community, but also shared with me what they are doing to make their community better. They were so well-informed and thoughtful about the challenges we faced. They inspired me and gave me hope for our city's future. I really feel like we need to be listening to them AND to the city staff about our issues. And... absolutely love the bay. So, those are the two things I love most about the community.
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Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan)

Corpus Christi is its vibrant community, rich culture, and diverse culinary scene. The people here are incredibly friendly and resilient, creating a strong sense of belonging that makes our city feel like home. Our local culture is a beautiful blend of traditions, from lively festivals to art and music events that celebrate our heritage. And of course, the food is unmatched—fresh seafood, flavorful Tex-Mex, and unique local dishes reflect our coastal roots and diverse influences. This combination of warm-hearted residents, cultural richness, and delicious cuisine truly makes Corpus Christi a special place to live and thrive.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

Our greatest challenge over the next decade is changing the philosophy that has been driving our council's decision-making for decades. We've been letting corporate interests drive our decision-making. This philosophy has led to city officials giving away our water and the water we secured in the 1990s to help us when we experienced droughts. This philosophy has led to these industries not paying their fair share, to losing our public hospital, to having a failing public infrastructure. This philosophy has lead to gross inequality in our community and to starved public institutions.
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Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan)

Over the next decade, Corpus Christi faces significant challenges, particularly in achieving sustainable growth and managing our water resources. As our population continues to grow, we must ensure that development is both responsible and environmentally friendly, balancing economic expansion with the preservation of our natural resources. Additionally, our water supply is a pressing issue; we need to implement sustainable water management practices to address potential shortages and protect our local ecosystems. This includes investing in infrastructure improvements, exploring alternative water sources, and promoting conservation efforts among residents. By addressing these challenges proactively, we can secure a resilient future for our city.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

It should be collaborative.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

The federal government has so made resources available to local governments. We really need to be pursing that grant dollars.
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Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan)

A man goes to the doctor and tells the doctor he feels like a pig. The doctor asks how long the man has felt that way. The man responds, "About a weeeeeeek!"
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

The mayor's office needs to have a balanced approach with law enforcement where she listens to the concerns of the community as well as collaborates with law enforcement so that law enforcement can fulfill their mission for the community.
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 278, Coastal Bend Labor Council, the National Association of Letter Carriers Union, Texas Campaign for the Environment, Sierra Club's Texas Lone Star Chapter, Moms Demand Action Gun Sense
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Isabel Araiza (Nonpartisan)

We need to have it!!! The current council has members who have violated the Open Meetings Act without consequence. Moreover, we don't have agencies, departments, or officials in other levels of government who are holding people accountable. This undermines the public's trust in our public institutions and leaders, which is terrible.
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Joshua Fraedrick (Nonpartisan)

Financial transparency and government accountability are essential for building trust between elected officials and the community. Residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and it’s crucial to foster an environment where public funds are managed responsibly. Recent outrages in spending, such as excessive salary increases for city officials while services are cut and parks face closures, highlight a troubling disconnect between leadership and community needs. As mayor, I will prioritize transparency by making budget information easily accessible and engaging the public in financial decisions to ensure that our government is truly serving the interests of all residents.



Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Isabel Araiza

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WebsiteFacebook

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I was born and raised in Corpus Christi. I'm a graduate of Carroll HS, Del Mar College, and TAMUCC. I earned a PhD in Sociology from Boston College. Eight years ago, I co-founded a local grassroots group called For the Greater Good that has been advocating for quality of life issues in the Coastal Bend since 2016. I decided to run for mayor out of concern for the way special interests are driving our city's policies and priorities, to the detriment of residents' well-being. Our local government has been working quite well for the rich, the powerful, the well-connected. It's time for government to work for the people, their families, and our future. In order for that to happen, Corpus Christi needs a mayor to who will prioritize the lives of workers, their families, and the vulnerable in our community. I will be that mayor for Corpus Christi."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

I will prioritize public needs before corporate greed. We need to stop slashing the budgets for city services that directly impact our quality of life. We need to invest resources in our neighborhood roads and sidewalks, neighborhood parks, libraries, senior and recreation services. We need to adequately fund and staff vector control, solid waste, and animal care services.

We can invest in the resources by requiring rich corporations to pay their fair share. Right now billion-dollar corporations don't have to pay taxes, they pay fees which only account for 9% of our general fund budget. They've been getting sweetheart deals from the city for decades; these handouts need to stop because they come at the expense of the people.

We need to protect our environment--the water, air, and soil. The city's desalination plans will destroy the bay and threaten local economic sectors that rely on the bay. The desalination plans are to recruit more polluting industries to our areas, which will harm our health and well-being. Our asthma, cancer, and other illness-related statistics are already too high. We don't need more industry that will make our community sicker. Not only is desalination bad for the environment and our health, it is bad for our utility rates as well. Moreover, we need leadership willing to monitor these industries. I will prioritize collaborating with universities and non-governmental organizations to monitor our air, water, and soil.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Corpus Christi in 2024.

Joshua Fraedrick

Image of Joshua Fraedrick

WebsiteFacebook

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I’m a lifelong resident of Corpus Christi, passionate about our community and its potential. Growing up here, I painted myself like a tiger for Carroll High School football games and spent countless evenings enjoying bonfires on the beach. My journey as a small business owner in the lawn care industry has allowed me to connect with the diverse people of our city and see firsthand the challenges we face, from road conditions to housing issues. I deeply care about Corpus Christi and envision a future where everyone has a place to call home and our parks flourish with trees, providing comfort and beauty for families. My commitment is to bring compassion and innovative solutions to our community's problems, working collaboratively with residents to turn our shared hopes into reality. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive Corpus Christi!"

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

Community-Centric Leadership: I am committed to putting the needs of Corpus Christi residents first. By prioritizing transparency and public input in decision-making, I aim to ensure that our city government truly serves the people.

Sustainable Solutions for Infrastructure: Our roads and water systems are in urgent need of attention. I will focus on fixing our crumbling roads and implementing sustainable water management practices, avoiding harmful short-term fixes like desalination plants.

Compassionate Approach to Housing and Environment: I believe in a holistic strategy to tackle homelessness through the Housing First model, while also fostering green spaces by increasing native trees in our parks. Together, we can create a vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally-friendly Corpus Christi.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Corpus Christi in 2024.

Mayoral partisanship

See also: Partisanship in United States municipal elections (2024)

Thirty-four of the 100 largest cities held mayoral elections in 2024. Once mayors elected in 2024, assumed office Democrats held 65 top-100 mayoral offices, Republicans 25, Libertarians held one, independents held two, and nonpartisan mayors held four. Three mayors' partisan affiliations were unknown.

The following top 100 cities saw a change in mayoral partisan affiliation in 2024:[1]

See also

Corpus Christi, Texas Texas Municipal government Other local coverage
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External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ As of January 7, 2025, the party affiliation of one mayor elected in 2024 was unknown. Ballotpedia contacted El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson's campaign in December to inquire about his party affiliation and had not yet received a reply. As incumbent Oscar Leeser was a Democrat, this decreased the net gain for Democrats from two to one.
  2. ↑ [San Antonio Express-News, "‘I’m a Democrat’: Mayor Ron Nirenberg campaigns for Kamala Harris, embraces party label," September 14, 2024]
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named gov
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