Freeport Mayor Jerry Cain Faces Removal After Recall Vote
Voters chose to remove the mayor by a margin of 950 to 741, but Cain argues the process was flawed and is now consulting legal counsel.
By Luana Sato ·
Mayor Jerry Cain of Freeport, Texas, will step down from office following Tuesday's election results. The recall measure passed with 56 percent of the vote, as 950 residents voted for removal and 741 voted against it. This ends Cain's tenure after only two years in the role.
The decision impacts the daily operations of the city government immediately. Cain told KPRC 2 that he was initially upset by the outcome. He believes many voters did not fully understand the specific recall question on the ballot. He noted that high turnout for statewide partisan races may have contributed to the confusion.
"Quite honestly, a lot of people didn’t even know what they were voting on. Nor the merits of what it was all about," Cain said.
Jeff Peña, a Freeport resident and former City Council member, spearheaded the recall effort. He began collecting signatures in January. Peña stated that the campaign was designed to ensure city leaders remained accountable to the public.
"The recall was for the residents of Freeport. I wouldn’t say it was against anybody per se. It was for the residents of Freeport in terms of transparency and accountability," Peña told KPRC 2.
The petition cited several grievances against Cain. These included an alleged cover-up of $345,000 in unauthorized payments for City Hall renovations. It also accused Cain of inaction after learning of a criminal plot against Peña involving former City Manager Lance Petty.
Peña claimed that recordings found during the investigation of Police Chief Jennifer Howe's suspension revealed the plot. The police chief was later cleared of wrongdoing, and the City Council fired Petty in June 2025. The petition further accused Cain of failing to protect the city's interests in a legal dispute involving Petty. These allegations have not been independently established as findings of wrongdoing.
Cain disputes the accusations in the petition. He argued that the claims were not substantiated. "None of the allegations have been substantiated. In my opinion, they are one person’s opinion of fact, his opinion that he is out there providing as facts," Cain said.
Cain is also questioning the procedural handling of the recall. He pointed to a potential conflict of interest involving the city attorney who advised the City Council. Cain claimed that same attorney was representing Peña in three separate lawsuits, including one against the City of Freeport. He said this raised concerns about the legal advice council members received.
Cain acknowledged that recall elections are a valid tool for removing bad actors. "A recall petition is a tool that has afforded the citizens of the United States as a way to remove officials that are bad actors. It is a great tool when done properly," Cain said.
Cain's attorneys are currently reviewing the process. He has not decided whether to file a legal challenge. "We currently have more legal eyes looking into this. It very well might not change the outlook of what happened. However, it could help the next person in line," Cain said.
The Freeport city manager stated that the recall vote is expected to be certified at the next City Council meeting on November 16. The mayor pro tem will assume the mayor's duties in Cain's absence.
