Rose cited his son’s increasing care needs and said his responsibilities as a father, husband, business leader and council member had become too difficult to balance.
LUBBOCK, Texas — Brayden Rose’s resignation from the Lubbock City Council has led to a special-election runoff that will determine who completes the remainder of his District 4 term.
Rose submitted his resignation to Mayor Mark McBrayer and the City Council on March 10, explaining that he needed to devote more time to his family and particularly to his young son, who lives with significant disabilities.
“When I first took office, our son was still a baby,” Rose said in the statement published by KCBD. As his son grew, Rose said, his care needs increased and placed greater demands on the family.
Rose said he could no longer adequately balance his duties as a husband, father, business leader and elected official. Although he apologized to residents who might be disappointed, he said stepping down was the correct decision for his family.
The original Lubbock Lights report said Rose asked the publication to delay reporting details until he could issue his own statement. In that statement, Rose thanked District 4 residents and said he hoped he had represented them with dedication and integrity.
Rose elected without opposition in 2024
Rose, a Lubbock native and Texas Tech University graduate, joined the council in May 2024. He helps operate his family’s McGavock Auto Group business and campaigned on public safety, responsible taxation, limited government and business growth.
He was the only candidate seeking the District 4 seat after then-Councilman Steve Massengale decided to run for mayor instead of seeking another council term. Rose consequently entered office without a contested election, according to KTTZ’s 2024 municipal election coverage.
Rose was sworn in on May 14, 2024. His four-year term was scheduled to continue through May 2028.
His written resignation became effective March 18, but state law requires an officeholder to continue performing the position’s duties until a successor qualifies for office. Rose therefore remained the District 4 representative while the city conducted the special election.
The city’s published list of Lubbock elected officials continued to identify Rose as the District 4 council member during the replacement process.
Council orders special election
Lubbock’s charter requires voters to fill a council vacancy rather than allowing the remaining council members to appoint a replacement.
On March 24, the council unanimously ordered a June 27 special election for the unexpired portion of Rose’s term. City Secretary Courtney Paz told the council that June 27 was the earliest date on which the election could be conducted under the applicable deadlines. The vote and staff explanation are available in the city’s official March 24 meeting record.
Five candidates eventually appeared on the ballot: former Councilman Gary Boren, homebuilder and former firefighter Tim Green, cybersecurity professional Bill Curnow, business owner Stephanie Ferran and ministry leader Boyd Goodloe.
The election process also produced a legal dispute over Boren’s eligibility. The city initially rejected his application because he reported living in District 4 for less than six months. Boren argued that Lubbock’s home-rule charter only required him to be a district resident when he filed.
The Seventh Court of Appeals sided with Boren and directed the city to place him on the ballot. The city accepted the ruling, according to KCBD’s report on the court decision.
Green and Boren advance to runoff
No candidate won a majority in the June 27 special election.
Green led with 1,228 votes, or about 47%. Boren finished second with 1,006 votes, or approximately 38.5%. Curnow received 184 votes, Ferran received 121 and Goodloe received 72, according to the published election results.
Because Green fell short of the majority required to win outright, he and Boren advanced to an Aug. 1 runoff.
Green has emphasized his experience as a homebuilder and former firefighter, arguing that Lubbock needs infrastructure planning and additional economic development to expand the tax base. Boren has emphasized his previous service on the City Council and Lubbock Independent School District Board of Trustees, presenting himself as the more experienced candidate on municipal budgets and government operations.
Early voting in the runoff began July 20 and continues through July 28. Election Day is Saturday, Aug. 1, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Only registered voters living within District 4 may participate.
The candidates and voting dates are listed on the city’s official District 4 runoff election page.
The runoff winner will succeed Rose and serve the remainder of the District 4 term, which expires in May 2028.
