Houston Mayor, Deputy Mayor announce resignations

As the monthly meeting for the City of Houston got underway on Thursday evening, City of Houston Mayor Jason Kahn and Deputy Mayor Dan Lewis announced that they were resigning from their positions effective immediately.

Their letters of resignation were read into the record and gave no official reason for their resignations.

Council member Kahn wrote in his letter that he was thankful for the opportunity and experience while serving as Mayor, writing in his resignation letter:

“It has been an honor to work with our staff and to represent the city to the best of my ability…It has been a privilege to work alongside the individuals committed to improving the quality of life in our community.”

Both did inform the council that they would remain as council members.

Council member Carter Cole, who has previously served three terms as mayor was nominated and elected back into the position 6 to 1.

Councilmember Cole was immediately sworn in.

Councilmember Jeff Brasel was unanimously voted in as Deputy Mayor after declining the nomination for Mayor, citing work time constraints.

Councilmember Kahn noted that reaching this decision was a process, stating that he felt he could no longer effectively serve the city or himself. Councilmember Lewis, who participated remotely, stated that timing necessitated his resignation, though he looks forward to continuing his work.

“I’ll continue serving as a council member and focusing on the work that is in front of us,” he said.

After a brief recess to reset, the meeting continued on with the regular meeting agenda.

This is a developing story.