After Tragic Loss, Uvalde Mother Pursues Mayoral Seat

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In the humid dawn of a Texas day, Kimberly Mata-Rubio is preparing for two significant challenges in Uvalde to honor her late daughter Lexi, a victim of the Robb Elementary School tragedy in 2022.

Her day begins with a commemorative charity run dedicated to Lexi’s memory, followed by a more formidable endeavor — her mayoral campaign in a community still reeling from one of the nation’s most horrific mass shootings and the subsequent police missteps, which are under ongoing scrutiny.

“Every conversation with my children reinforces our shared conviction that Lexi’s legacy is now our guiding force, compelling us to act in her memory,” Mata-Rubio remarked.

Come Tuesday, the electorate of Uvalde will appoint a new mayor for the first time since the dreadful episode in May 2022, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two educators. This election will serve as a barometer of the town’s readiness to either turn a page or seek a reckoning for the losses endured.

Nationally, kin of gun violence victims have stepped into the political arena, with varying degrees of success. In Colorado, a bereaved father secured a state senate seat on his second attempt after an initial defeat. Congresswoman Lucy McBath, who also tragically lost her 17-year-old son, succeeded in her congressional bid in 2018.

For Mata-Rubio, vying to become Uvalde’s first female mayor, the campaign involves persuading this town of 15,000 to embrace a new direction.

Previously, Uvalde County’s electorate dismissed Beto O’Rourke for governor and a bereaved father’s write-in campaign for county commissioner. The Texas Legislature later dismissed an appeal from Mata-Rubio and other parents to raise firearm purchase age limits — a measure they believe might have thwarted the shooting.

Now 34, Mata-Rubio stands as a contender in an open mayoral race against two other hopefuls: a former Uvalde mayor and an educator.

Madelynn Mize, a local teacher yet to decide her vote, expressed, “It’s imperative now, more than ever, that not just a few, but all of us commit to the well-being of our children.”

Mata-Rubio’s bid for mayor is an extension of the advocacy that has defined the period following her indescribable loss. The calamity transformed her from a reticent reporter at the Uvalde Leader-News into a vocal advocate for stringent gun control, including an appearance before Congress. She openly criticized the hesitant approach of law enforcement on the day of the shooting.

Her campaign, under the banner “Moving Forward, Together,” aims to involve all community members in the decision-making process, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity. In Uvalde, where about 20% of the population lives below the poverty line, her pledge is to ensure representation for all.

Following the commemorative Lexi Legacy 5K run, Mata-Rubio continued her campaign efforts, going door-to-door to engage with the community. During one such encounter, an elderly resident crossed the street to greet her, highlighting her youth. Meanwhile, another resident demonstrated support by allowing her to display a campaign sign alongside that of her opponent.

“Her candidacy resonates because of her connection to the community and her deep understanding of the sorrow caused by this tragedy,” noted Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor.

Her opponents, including former Mayor Cody Smith, who declined to comment, and Veronica Martinez, another educator, have their views on the town’s division and the path to recovery.

The eve of the election found Mata-Rubio and her husband commemorating what would have been Lexi’s 12th birthday, an occasion marked with balloons and memories at the town square.

On the day of the race, tributes to Lexi were omnipresent — from her preferred Starbucks beverage being served to yellow wristbands and music echoing her taste.

Mata-Rubio remains steadfast, “As a mother and advocate, I’ll never cease fighting. As a mayoral candidate, my focus is unifying our community. Progress hinges on our collective resolve.”

Longtime resident Kenneth Woods looks forward to potential changes under Mata-Rubio’s leadership, emphasizing the need for community support to facilitate such transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Uvalde mayoral election

More about Uvalde mayoral election

• Uvalde Leader-News
• Robb Elementary School Shooting
• Testimony Before Congress
• Gun Control Advocacy
• Uvalde Mayoral Election 2023
• Texas Legislature and Gun Laws
• Memorial for Shooting Victims
• Uvalde Community Healing Initiatives