Voters in Freeport, Texas, remove Mayor Jerry Cain with 56% support
Mayor Jerry Cain faces removal after two years in office, citing confusion over the ballot and legal conflicts in the recall process.
By Ella Cox ·
Freeport Mayor Jerry Cain lost his position in office following a recall election held on Tuesday, November 3. Approximately 56% of the 1,691 voters who cast ballots supported his removal. The final tally showed 950 votes in favor of the recall and 741 votes against it.
Despite acknowledging the outcome, Cain expressed concern about how the recall effort was managed. He told KPRC 2 that he was initially upset by the results. Cain believes many voters did not fully understand the specific question on the ballot. “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.
The mayor suggested that high turnout for statewide partisan races may have contributed to the confusion. He stated that the recall question might have been overshadowed by other elections on the same day.
The recall initiative was led by Jeff Peña, a Freeport resident and former City Council member. Peña began collecting signatures for the petition in January. He described the effort as a measure to ensure transparency and accountability for city leaders rather than a personal attack. “The recall was for the residents of Freeport. I wouldn’t say it was against anybody per se,” Peña said.
The petition listed several allegations against Cain. It claimed he covered up $345,000 in unauthorized payments for City Hall renovations. It also accused him of failing to act on information regarding an alleged criminal plot against Peña. That plot involved former City Manager Lance Petty. According to the petition, recordings from an investigation into the suspension of Police Chief Jennifer Howe revealed the plot. Petty was fired by the City Council in June 2025, while the police chief was cleared of wrongdoing.
Cain disputes these claims, stating that none have been substantiated. He argued that the allegations represent one person’s opinion rather than established fact. He also raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest. Cain claimed the city attorney who advised the City Council during the recall process was also representing Peña in three separate lawsuits, including one against the City of Freeport.
Cain’s attorneys are currently reviewing the recall process. He has not yet 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 recall vote is expected to be certified at the next City Council meeting on November 16. The city manager confirmed that the mayor pro tem will assume the mayor’s duties once the certification is complete.
