Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo has been formally reprimanded and suspended from office for 30 days, becoming the first leader in the Texas city's history to face such disciplinary action.
The city council voted on Friday to suspend Guajardo for her role in a hotel development's bid for a $2 million grant. The accusations included perjury during a deposition, failure to maintain confidentiality of the city's economic development corporation's activities, and aiding in fraud against taxpayers.
Guajardo and the developer have denied any wrongdoing.
The charges originated from a 2024 presentation to the city council advocating for the Homewood Suites by Hilton development to receive a grant. The presentation reportedly used an altered screenshot from a FEMA webpage, purportedly to create a false, time-sensitive justification for the funding based on flood zone requirements enacted in 2022.
The perjury charge alleged that Guajardo lied under oath in August 2025, claiming no knowledge that the developers had manipulated the screenshot. These accusations were brought forth by a rival hotelier, Ajit David, who filed a lawsuit against the city alleging fraud.
Council Findings and Penalties
The city council tribunal, comprised of six members, found Guajardo guilty on two of the three charges. A single council member dissented on each charge.
Regarding the allegation of fraud and the use of an altered screenshot, the council voted 5-1 to suspend the mayor for 30 days and issue a formal reprimand. For the perjury charge, the council also voted 5-1 to formally reprimand her, but did not vote for suspension on this charge.
Guajardo faced no penalty for the charge of failing to keep the city's economic development corporation's activities confidential.
The council did not achieve the required 5-1 supermajority to remove Guajardo from office on any of the charges.
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Suspension and Interim Leadership
Guajardo's 30-day suspension began on August 8 and is set to conclude on September 6. During this period, City Councilmember Kaylynn Paxson will serve as mayor pro tem.
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Guajardo's attorney, John Flood, stated that the accusations lacked foundation when stripped of rhetoric and viewed solely by the evidence. Following her suspension, Guajardo expressed gratitude on Facebook for the support she received and stated her hope to move forward with dignity and restore confidence in the city.