Keller Mayor Armin Mizani announced his intention July 8 to run for the position and will face off against Republican Leigh Wambsganss and Democrat Taylor Rehmet.
The details
Mizani would have to resign as Keller mayor prior to taking the oath of office if he wins the election since the Texas Constitution normally prohibits individuals from holding more than one paid civil office at the same time. However, he can still serve as mayor during his campaign, said Rachel Reynolds, Keller's communication and public engagement manager.
Since the Keller mayoral seat is up for election in May 2026, there is no need for a special election for that position if Mizani wins the District 9 seat, Reynolds added. Mayor Pro Tem Ross McMullin would step in as acting mayor for the final six months of Mizani's term should he need to step down.
“The communities of Senate District 9 require a principled and unapologetic conservative fighter with a proven record of getting the job done,” Mizani said in a news release. “As mayor of Keller, that is exactly what we’ve done and I’m ready to take that same fight to the Texas Senate.”
District 9 represents parts of Tarrant County, including Keller, north Fort Worth and Southlake.
The background
Mizani has served as Keller’s mayor since 2020 and has been a member of the Keller City Council since 2014. He also is an attorney and founder of Mizani Law Firm.
The special election was called after former District 9 representative Kelly Hancock launched his campaign to run for Texas Comptroller June 19.
