City of Kyle council member Claudia Zapata submitted her resignation from office on Sept. 25. She has served on the council since November 2025.
The full story
Zapata cited prolonged “harassment and dehumanization” she has experienced since taking office as the reason for her resignation, according to a news release.
She referenced posts made in social media groups dedicated to Kyle politics and comments made at City Hall during public meetings.
“I am deeply concerned about what hate and coercion are doing to our city,” Zapata said in the release. “Residents have told me they stay silent, avoid speaking before Council or decide not to run for office because they fear becoming the next target.”
In a social media post, Zapata further spoke about comments and events she experienced during her service that led to her decision to resign.
“I care too much about this city to leave without asking us to think about who we want to be and what kind of community we are willing to create for those who come next,” Zapata said in the release.
Community Impact reached out to the city of Kyle's Communications Department for comment but did not receive a response before publication.
Looking forward
Council member Zapata’s resignation will be effective Oct. 3. An item to accept the resignation was placed on the Oct. 5 meeting agenda for the City Council’s review, according to agenda documents.
The city must hold a special election to fill the vacant seat before Jan. 31, 2027. The election must be held on the next available election date with sufficient time to call the election, according to agenda documents.
During the Oct. 5 meeting, the council will review an agenda item to call for the special election on Dec. 12, the runoff date for the November general election.
Zapata will continue to serve in her role until a new candidate is elected to the position and qualified to serve.
The earliest a new council member may qualify is likely Dec. 23. If the special election results in a runoff, the candidate cannot be qualified until January 2027 at the earliest, according to agenda documents.
