Corpus Christi, TX — Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo has been formally reprimanded and suspended from office for 30 days following a disciplinary tribunal, an action reported as unprecedented in the city’s 174-year history.
On Aug. 7, the Corpus Christi City Council voted 4-2 to suspend Guajardo after a four-day tribunal held over two weeks. The council found her guilty of three counts of misconduct connected in part to a $2 million economic incentive agreement involving a downtown Homewood Suites hotel project.
The counts included allegations of aiding a fraud on taxpayers, perjury related to an Aug. 6, 2025 deposition, and misconduct related to maintaining confidentiality regarding a Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation meeting.
The proceedings originated from a 2025 petition submitted by six Corpus Christi voters alleging misconduct by Guajardo related to events in 2024.
The council considered removing Guajardo entirely from office, but that effort failed to receive the required five-vote supermajority. Only District 5 Councilman Gil Hernandez and District 2 Councilwoman Sylvia Campos voted for removal.
Councilman Eric Cantu voted against removing Guajardo, while Councilman-at-large Mark Scott voted not guilty on all three counts and opposed penalizing the mayor.
District 4 Councilwoman Kaylynn Paxson will serve as mayor pro tem during Guajardo’s 30-day suspension.
Following the tribunal, Guajardo thanked supporters and said she remained hopeful the city could move forward, restore confidence and bring the community together.