City & town

Mayor of Corpus Christi

Vote for: 1
Candidates: 7
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The mayor presides over the Corpus Christi City Council, which passes the city's ordinances and adopts its budget and tax rate.

Names as on the City Secretary's candidate list (September 2, 2026), in filing order; the ballot order and spelling may differ.

Candidates Compare by issue

David Ainsworth, Sr.

No party listed

President (business owner)

The gist

Pledges short- and long-term water supply solutions
Supports working with port, energy and manufacturing leaders
Proposes investing in roads, utilities and critical systems
Supports focusing on public safety and property standards
Pledges transparency and accountability at City Hall

More about David

View sources (1)

Pledges short- and long-term water supply solutions
Vote Ainsworth: Corpus Christi Mayor 26
Campaign website · voteainsworth.com
“We will deliver reliable short- and long-term water solutions to support growth, industry, and everyday life in Corpus Christi.”
Supports working with port, energy and manufacturing leaders
Vote Ainsworth: Corpus Christi Mayor 26
Campaign website · voteainsworth.com
“Work with port, energy, and manufacturing leaders to keep Corpus Christi competitive and growing.”
Proposes investing in roads, utilities and critical systems
Vote Ainsworth: Corpus Christi Mayor 26
Campaign website · voteainsworth.com
“Invest in roads, utilities, and critical systems that support daily life and economic growth.”
Supports focusing on public safety and property standards
Vote Ainsworth: Corpus Christi Mayor 26
Campaign website · voteainsworth.com
“Focus on public safety, property standards, and quality of life across Corpus Christi.”
Pledges transparency and accountability at City Hall
Vote Ainsworth: Corpus Christi Mayor 26
Campaign website · voteainsworth.com
“Bring transparency, responsibility, and common sense back to city government.”

Chelise Hyatt

No party listed

Nonprofit development executive

The gist

No documented position found.

More about Chelise

John Calkusic

No party listed

Business owner

The gist

No documented position found.

More about John

Dave Heasley

No party listed

Self-employed

The gist

No documented position found.

More about Dave

Kaylynn Paxson

No party listed

Corpus Christi City Council member (District 4) and Mayor Pro Tem

The gist

Pledges to cut wasteful spending and hold taxes and fees
Proposes a street and drainage plan with timelines
Pledges to keep water supply at top of agenda
Pledges transparency and regular community conversations

More about Kaylynn

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Pledges to cut wasteful spending and hold taxes and fees
I'm Running for Mayor of Corpus Christi
Campaign website · Aug 17, 2026 · kaylynnpaxson.com
“A conservative, common-sense budget that eliminates wasteful spending, holds the line on taxes and fees, and lives within its means”
Proposes a street and drainage plan with timelines
I'm Running for Mayor of Corpus Christi
Campaign website · Aug 17, 2026 · kaylynnpaxson.com
“A comprehensive, accountable plan for our streets and drainage, with clear timelines and results you can see in your own neighborhood.”
Pledges to keep water supply at top of agenda
I'm Running for Mayor of Corpus Christi
Campaign website · Aug 17, 2026 · kaylynnpaxson.com
“Our city's growth and our families' security depend on getting water right, and it will stay at the top of the agenda.”
Pledges transparency and regular community conversations
I'm Running for Mayor of Corpus Christi
Campaign website · Aug 17, 2026 · kaylynnpaxson.com
“No backroom deals. Consistent community conversations, and a government that answers to you - not to special interests.”

Gil Hernandez

No party listed

Consultant; Corpus Christi City Council member (District 5)

The gist

No documented position found.

More about Gil

Paulette Guajardo

No party listedIncumbent

Mayor of Corpus Christi

The gist

Supports securing a long-term water supply and infrastructureIn office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about Paulette

View sources (1)

Supports securing a long-term water supply and infrastructure
Mayor's Office: Biography of Mayor Guajardo
Government record · City of Corpus Christi · corpuschristitx.gov
“she is dedicated to securing a sustainable long-term water supply for the city and region, enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 5 issues covered in this race.