After six years as mayor, Humble Mayor Merle Aaron announced Jan. 15 he would not run for re-election in May. Aaron was first elected as mayor in 2015 and won re-election in 2017 and 2019, according to a Jan. 15 news release from the city.
“Serving the citizens of Humble for all these years has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Aaron said in a statement from the news release. “I feel we as a City have accomplished quite a bit in that time despite facing several major challenges here recently. I know that the future for Humble is very bright, and it’s time for the next generation of leaders to guide it.”
Prior to serving as mayor, Aaron was elected to City Council in 2005 to complete an unexpired term of another council member. He resigned from council 10 years later to run for mayor, according to the release.
Humble City Manager Jason Stuebe said via email that Aaron has been a "consequential" mayor who has seen the city through growth and unprecedented times.
"He has been unwavering through it all with a steady hand at the wheel," Stuebe said. "I have nothing but the utmost respect for him as a leader and a boss—but more so as a person. Humble is a better place having him as mayor over these last six years."
In addition to the mayoral seat, Places 1 and 2—which are currently held by Council Members Andy Curry and Charles Cunningham, respectively—will also be on the ballot in May. Elected city positions are two-year terms.
Incumbents Curry and Cunningham have already filed applications for their respective seats, City Secretary Jenny Page said via email. Additionally, Place 3 Council Member Norman Funderburk has resigned from council and submitted an application to run as mayor.
Since Funderburk's Place 3 position will be vacant, City Council will discuss how to move forward in filing his vacant seat at the Jan. 28 Humble City Council meeting, according to Page. Options to fill Funderburk's vacant position include appointing an individual to fill his seat until the term ends in May 2022; adding the position to the May ballot; or leaving the seat vacant until May 2022 or until council chooses to make an appointment.
The filing period for the May 1 election ends 5 p.m. Feb. 12, according to the city website. While early voting dates and locations have not been announced, information on the city website states the election will take place at Humble City Hall. Click here to read the application requirements.
