Mayor of Texas City under threat of recall due to accusations of corrupt practices and failures in maintaining transparency
In the bustling city of Texas City, a storm of controversy is brewing around Mayor Dedrick Johnson. The mayor, who is up for reelection in May 2026, faces a barrage of accusations that range from violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Public Information Act to fostering a culture of corruption and favoritism within the city's administration.
The allegations, which have sparked public protests and a recall petition, stem from various sources, including residents, the police union, and an affidavit filed by resident Joshua McMeekin. If proven true, these allegations could potentially lead to Johnson's removal from office.
One of the key concerns is the alleged political interference in economic development decisions, which could imply a lack of transparency and fairness in the city's economic development decisions. This could jeopardize a billion-dollar city development project, causing uncertainty among investors and residents alike.
Reva Rodriguez, a resident who began attending meetings after her brother died in Texas City police custody last year, is among those accusing the mayor. Rodriguez and others have accused Johnson of ignoring serious problems within the Texas City Police Department, which is described as dysfunctional. Under Johnson’s tenure, a high number of police officers have left the force, with the police union alleging retaliation against officers under the current police chief appointed by Johnson.
In response, Johnson has called the "dictator" label "wholly inaccurate" and stated it is misinformation spreading on social media. He has defended his record, pointing to city growth, new public programs, new homes, retail businesses, a police cadet program, a new fire station, and enhanced emergency services. Johnson has also acknowledged a procedural mistake during a public city commission meeting but maintains it was a one-time error that was corrected publicly.
However, critics have expressed concern that the ordinance gives the mayor final say over what appears on meeting agendas, which they argue silences dissenting commissioners. The city council voted to adopt a new ordinance establishing formal Commission Rules of Procedure and Order of Business in the same meeting where the allegations were aired.
Johnson has not directly addressed most specific allegations from the police union regarding retaliation and officer departures. He has stressed that citizens elected him and that it would take the citizens, not just a petition, to remove him from office. Johnson stated there have been no findings of any violations of any open records requests in the city of Texas City.
As of now, petition organizers in Texas City have gathered 900 signatures towards the 1,200 needed to trigger a special election for the recall of Mayor Dedrick Johnson. If the petition reaches the required number, a special election would provide an opportunity for Texas City residents to vote on the recall of Johnson.
Johnson feels the call for recall is baseless and has defended his record in an interview after Wednesday's meeting. The future of Texas City's leadership remains uncertain as the city navigates these contentious waters.
[1] McMeekin, Joshua. (2023). Affidavit in Support of Recall of Dedrick Johnson as Mayor of Texas City. [Unpublished document]. [2] Rodriguez, Reva. (2023). Interview with Texas City Chronicle. [3] Texas City Police Union. (2023). Statement on Officer Departures. [Unpublished document]. [4] Texas City Residents for Transparency. (2023). Recall Petition. [Unpublished document].
The allegations against Mayor Dedrick Johnson in Texas City include political interference in business decisions, which could impact a billion-dollar city development project, as well as fostering a culture of corruption and favoritism within the city's administration. The police union has also accused Johnson of retaliation against officers, leading to a high number of police officer departures.
If proven true, the allegations could lead to Johnson's removal from office through a recall petition, as the petition organizers in Texas City have already gathered 900 signatures towards the 1,200 needed to trigger a special election for the recall of Johnson.
