Denton City Council accepted District 1 representative Jordan Villarreal’s resignation during a special meeting Aug. 5 and slated a special election for November to fill his seat.
What’s happening
Villarreal gave a resignation speech at the Aug. 4 City Council meeting, stating that he is stepping down to focus on his mental health. He said in a July 30 statement to city staff and council that he will stay on the dais until Sept. 1 so a special election can coincide with the Nov. 3 general election, saving taxpayer money.
“Public service often asks us to show strength at all times, to keep going, to carry the weight. And for a long time, I convinced myself I could do that without asking for help,” Villarreal said. “But the truth is, I can’t serve my community the way it deserves if I’m not taking care of myself first.”
He detailed how he has struggled with mental health issues for several years and said his depression, suicidal ideation and addictions took “complete control” in June of this year. Villarreal said he was hospitalized for a week earlier this summer and will need further treatment.
Denton City Council members showed their support for Villarreal and appreciated his courage in opening up about his mental health.
Council member George Ferrie was emotional when he praised Villarreal for showing courage and vulnerability in his announcement.
“I hope you know you have a community here to support you,” Ferrie said. “I’m so grateful for what you have done for Denton, for the county and for the state. I wish you nothing but the best, friend.”
Mayor Pro Tem Nick Stevens said he has never met someone who worked as hard as Villarreal had in recent years for the community, that he is one of the bravest people he has met and that he hopes Villarreal returns to public service at some point.
Council members Joe Holland and Suzi Rumohr also praised Villarreal for his honesty and vulnerability, with Rumohr saying that his transparency could help other people.
“I hope that you find [a] quick recovery and that you do what you need to do to take care of yourself,” Rumohr said. “I’m hopeful that you'll be able to continue further down the road.”
The backstory
Villarreal was elected to the District 1 seat in May after defeating Michael Herron and Kris Cox with 55.56% of the vote, according to previous reporting. He replaced former District 1 representative Vicki Byrd, who was running for a position with Denton ISD’s board of trustees.
Before he was elected to City Council, Villarreal served on the Denton Planning & Zoning Commission for four years.
What’s next?
Candidates must file to run for the District 1 position by Aug. 20 at 5 p.m., according to the special election candidate packet for the city.
Early voting for the November election will run from Oct. 19-30. The final day to vote will be Nov. 3.
