A six-page affidavit has launched a potential recall of Texas City Mayor Dedrick Johnson, citing claims of leadership failures, police department dysfunction, and unilateral decisions that could have cost the city a billion-dollar development.
The affidavit, submitted in Galveston County last week, accuses Johnson of multiple violations, including alleged breaches of the Texas Open Meetings Act, ignoring serious problems within the Texas City Police Department, and exerting what the affidavit describes as “dictatorial control” over the city commission.
Johnson has publicly called the “dictator” label wholly inaccurate and has pointed to city growth and new public programs during his tenure but has not directly addressed most police union allegations.
According to a Facebook post from the Texas City Municipal Police Association (TCMPA), Johnson prioritized removing the former police chief and replacing him with Landis Cravens. Under Cravens’ leadership, Rachel Spahr, president of the TCMPA, alleges that retaliation against officers became routine. She claims that since 2023, 30 officers—with a combined 470 years of experience—have left the department.
“This isn’t just a staffing issue, it’s a safety issue for every family, business, and neighborhood in Texas City,” Spahr said. “I, Rachel Spahr, announce my full support for the recall of Mayor Dedrick Johnson.”
The Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA), a statewide law enforcement organization, has also voiced its support for the recall effort. In a public statement, the TMPA criticized the mayor for spending nearly $70,000 on an SUV for city use and mandating dignitary protection from TCPD officers—all while the department remains critically understaffed.
Another controversy involving Mayor Johnson centers on his handling of a major economic development opportunity with Minto’s Latitude Margaritaville—a housing project brand with communities in Florida and South Carolina.
The developers had been in deep negotiations with Texas City to bring a new development to the area projected to generate over $1 billion in taxable real estate. In a letter to the developers, Johnson wrote: “Over the course of the past year and a half, we have given thorough consideration and hours of negotiation to this effort and have come to the conclusion that Margaritaville, as it has been presented, is no longer in the best interest of the City of Texas City.”
A key dispute centered on the name of the proposed development: Latitude Margaritaville Galveston Bay.
Johnson objected to the name, arguing it did not promote Texas City’s brand.
Despite declaring the project dead—stating, “From my standpoint, it’s closed”—Johnson had not informed the city commission of his decision. Commissioners Abel Garza and Chris Sharp have since expressed that they want the matter discussed publicly, citing the project’s significant growth potential.
In a separate issue, Johnson admitted to a procedural mistake involving public comments at a previous meeting. He acknowledged that public input was only allowed after an agenda item related to certificate of obligation bonds had already been addressed.
“That was an error. It was a simple error. The very next meeting, we moved them back. In fact, we redid everything that was on that meeting’s agenda and allowed the public to make [comments]; we even retook the vote,” Johnson said. “So nothing official came out of that meeting, and it was a one-time situation. I acknowledged that publicly and did apologize for that.”
Although the affidavit was only submitted last week, it has already garnered 900 signatures from Texas City residents. If it reaches 1,200 signatures, the petition will be certified by the city.
Johnson would then have five days to either resign or proceed to a recall election, which would be held no fewer than 45 days and no more than 60 days after certification.
No ads. No paywalls. No government grants. No corporate masters.
Just real news for real Texans.
Support Texas Scorecard to keep it that way!
