Kimberly Mata-Rubio, the mother of Lexi Rubio, a victim of the Uvalde school shooting, has revealed her candidacy for the position of mayor in the Texas city. The announcement was made on Thursday as she aims to succeed Mayor Don McLaughlin, who plans to step down after nearly a decade of leadership to pursue a state House seat. The special election for the remaining term of Mayor McLaughlin is scheduled for November 7.
Currently working as an advertising executive for the Uvalde Leader-News, Mata-Rubio shared the news of her campaign on Twitter, vowing that this is only the beginning of her commitment to public service. In her post, she paid tribute to her late daughter, now referred to as “X,” and expressed her determination to honor Lexi’s life through meaningful action.
Lexi Rubio was one of the 19 fourth-grade students and two teachers tragically killed in the Robb Elementary School shooting in May 2022. Since the incident, Mata-Rubio has been vocal in demanding accountability and answers from authorities regarding the police response during the shooting. She has also advocated for gun control measures, including a ban on assault rifles.
During a House hearing on Capitol Hill focused on gun violence in June 2022, Mata-Rubio shared her grief and admiration for her daughter’s qualities, describing Lexi as an intelligent, compassionate, and assertive individual.
Approaching the one-year anniversary of the shooting, Mata-Rubio opened up about her ongoing struggle with grief and mother’s guilt, emphasizing her reluctance to move forward and distance herself from cherished memories of her daughter.
Candidates interested in the Uvalde mayoral special election have until September 6 to file their applications. As of Thursday afternoon, the city had not received any applications, although former Uvalde Mayor Cody Smith is reportedly considering another run for the position.