Corpus Christi City Councilman Gil Hernandez announced he is running for mayor and plans to file officially on Monday, the final day candidates can file for a place on the ballot.
Hernandez, who represents District 5, announced his campaign on Thursday. He said water security, city spending, government accountability and responsible growth will be among his priorities.
“Corpus Christi is at a crossroads,” Hernandez said. “We need strong leadership that puts residents first, protects taxpayers, demands accountability, and makes informed decisions based on facts.”
Water is expected to be a major issue in the mayoral race as Corpus Christi continues working to secure new water sources.
Hernandez said he supports looking at several options, including groundwater, wastewater reuse, brackish desalination and seawater desalination. He said the city should compare the costs and long-term impact of each option before making major commitments.
“We need water, but we also need to be smart about how we pay for it,” Hernandez said. “My commitment is simple: pursue the most reliable water we can get at the lowest responsible cost to the people of Corpus Christi.”
Hernandez also said his campaign will focus on transparency at City Hall, including closer review of city contracts and major spending decisions.
“The people of Corpus Christi deserve to know how their money is being spent, why decisions are being made, and who benefits from those decisions,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez was first elected to the Corpus Christi City Council in 2018 and is serving his fourth term. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and previously spent 18 years with The Coca-Cola Company. He also served on the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority Board.
Hernandez said his campaign will focus on what he describes as practical results, including reliable water, controlling costs, public safety and responsible growth.
The deadline to file for a place on the Corpus Christi city election ballot is Monday.