With the restraining order now expired, C.C. Mayor Guajardo’s case heads to a May 13 federal hearing that could determine the next phase of the legal battle.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A new federal preliminary injunction hearing is now set for May 13 as the legal fight over Mayor Paulette Guajardo’s removal continues.

The development comes after a temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge George Hanks expired Monday. 

However, the mayor’s attorney, John Flood, said the judge has scheduled a preliminary injunction hearing for May 13, a proceeding that could determine whether court protections are reinstated or denied.

The federal case runs separately from the city’s own removal proceedings, including a hearing scheduled for May 19.

The new hearing comes after a temporary restraining order (TRO) from Judge Hanks Jr. expired Monday. 

Flood told 3NEWS that Judge Hanks let the TRO expire and then granted the plaintiff’s request to have a hearing before the council-approved May 19 pre-trial hearing. place or allowed to remain lifted.

At the same time, Guajardo has expanded her lawsuit, adding five Corpus Christi City Council members as defendants. 

New filings show council members Carolyn Vaughn, Gil Hernandez, Sylvia Campos, Kaylynn Paxson, and Eric Cantu are now listed alongside the City of Corpus Christi.

In a statement to 3NEWS, Flood said “This is a misuse of government power. A small group is manipulating the process to remove a duly elected mayor and override the will of the voters. That should concern every resident.”

The council members named have previously voted to move ahead with a petition to remove the mayor from office.

In that statement, Flood called the situation a misuse of government power. 3NEWS reached out to the five council members listed as defendants in the lawsuit and most declined to comment. 

Councilman Eric Cantu said that as per legal advice, while Councilman Gil Hernandez said he doesn’t expect the new development to impact the removal process. 

3NEWS also reached out to the city’s attorney who has not responded to requests for comment.