by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
Top Picture: Cody Smith and his son Caden pause for a photo after learning the elction results
Cody Smith ultimately received the most votes to become the next Mayor of Uvalde in a special election for the unexpired term of Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin who was required by Texas State Law to resign his position after announcing his intention to run for the Texas House of Representatives District 80 seat currently held by Representative Tracy O. King who announced his would not seek another term in office in the 2024 general election.
Cody Smith won with 1867 votes, Kimberly Mata-Rubio received 837 votes and Veronica Martinez received 46 votes.
Approximately 75 people gathered outside of the front of the Uvalde Leader-News building earlier this evening to wait for the results to come in the Uvalde Mayor’s Race. Several San Antonio news reporting organizations along with a reporter from ABC News were seen gathered around Kimbery Mata-Rubio on two occasions once before the results of the Mayor’s race had come in and immediately following the elections results being posted on a white board.
Cody Smith and his supporters gathered at a venue located on West North Street for a private invitation only party waiting for the election results.
Kim Rubio supporters were seen gathered jon the sidewalk nearest the Uvalde County Courthouse on North East Street many wearing yellow “Kim Rubio for Mayor” shirts
After the Candidate Kimbery Mata-Rubio learned the election results she was heard saying, “It’s never ending.” and “It never stops.” as part of other remarks which could not be heard,
After the results of the Uvalde Mayor’s Race became known, Cody Smith stepped outside and was seen hugging his son Caden followed by a group photo of Smith, Rubio and Veronica Martinez.
In an interview with the Uvalde Hesperian just prior to the results coming in, Martinez said, ” I am really proud of the community coming forward and voting.” She went on to say she plans on staying involved and is planning on running again for Mayor.”
When asked when he will take office as Mayor. Smith said he will start as Uvalde’s new mayor next week on Tuesday, November 14th at the next Uvalde City Council meeting.
Kimbery Mata-Rubio with her husband Felix Rubio stand with her group of supporters
