Does a raised hand mean Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker is running for reelection in 2025?
We’re still months away from the filing period for Fort Worth’s 2025 mayor and city council elections, however, a flick of Mayor Mattie Parker’s wrist is leading some to speculate about her intentions.
Parker along with council members Jeanette Martinez, Macy Hill, Elizabeth Beck, and Gyna Bivens participated in a panel discussion Wednesday as part of a monthly lunch meeting hosted by the Women’s Policy Forum of Tarrant County.
The panel was focused on “the critical challenges facing Fort Worth,” according to a post on the group’s Facebook page.
During a question and answer session, an audience member asked whether the five elected officials intended to run for reelection. All raised their hands except for Bivens who announced in April 2023 she would only serve one more term.
“News Alert: Mayor Mattie Parker will run again!” said luncheon participant Chris Smith in a Facebook post after Wednesday’s event.
However, a spokesperson for the Mayor quickly poured cold water on the apparent announcement saying in a text message to the Star-Telegram the hand raise was to avoid speculation Parker wouldn’t be running again.
“People can continue to speculate, but the Mayor hasn’t made a decision,” the spokesperson said.
When she does decide, Parker will make a formal announcement, the spokesperson said.
The filing period for the May 3, 2025, election will run from Jan. 15 through Feb. 14.
This story was originally published August 15, 2024 at 11:56 AM.
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