A citizen‑led recall campaign in McKinney has moved to the next stage of its effort to force a citywide election. Organizers with McKinney Recall reported that they turned in a petition containing over 6,500 signatures, comfortably exceeding the estimated 5,800 valid signatures required to launch a recall under Texas law.
Signature threshold met
John Aselton, a volunteer with the recall effort, posted on X that the petition had surpassed the required number as of Sept. 24. The threshold is calculated as 30 percent of the votes cast in the city’s most recent regular municipal election, which translates to roughly 5,800 eligible signatures.
Officials targeted
The recall petition names Mayor Bill Cox and three council members: Justin Beller, Ernest Lynch and Geré Feltus. The group says the drive stems from a “loss of public confidence” in the ability of these officials to faithfully represent McKinney residents. Specific concerns cited include city spending, infrastructure, transparency, representation and the perceived responsiveness of city leaders.
Background and recent controversy
The recall effort began in August when a recall affidavit was filed with the city and petition forms were made available for circulation. The campaign gained additional visibility after a heated council meeting on Aug. 4, when the McKinney City Council voted unanimously (7‑0) to approve a site plan for a new Islamic Association of McKinney facility on Virginia Parkway. The proposed 5.5‑acre development sparked a packed City Hall, with more than 150 speakers voicing support and opposition.
While the mosque vote was a flashpoint, McKinney Recall emphasizes that its petition addresses a broader set of grievances beyond that single decision.
What happens next?
Turning in the petitions does not automatically trigger a recall election. The city secretary now has 30 days to examine each signature and determine which belong to qualified McKinney voters. That verification process may take several weeks.
If enough signatures are certified, the officials named in the petition will be notified within five days—or at the next council meeting—giving them five days to resign. Should any of the officials remain in office, the council would be required to schedule a citywide recall election, a step the city has taken only once before.
At this time, no recall election has been ordered and no election date has been set. The immediate question for residents is whether the petition contains enough valid signatures to survive the city’s review.
Community response
Local residents remain divided. Some view the recall as a necessary check on elected officials, arguing that accountability is essential for preserving the values and fiscal responsibility of the community. Others caution that recall efforts can distract from ongoing projects and strain municipal resources.
The city’s next actions will be closely watched by both supporters and critics, as the outcome could set a precedent for future citizen‑initiated recalls in McKinney and the surrounding Dallas‑Fort Worth area.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
