After nearly two decades of service as the city’s chief elected official, Lavaca Mayor Hugh Hardgrave has announced that he will not seek another term in office.
Hardgrave first took office as mayor on Jan. 1, 2007, and is currently serving his fifth and final term, which began Jan. 1, 2023, and will conclude Dec. 31, 2026. By the end of his current term, Hardgrave will have served the citizens of Lavaca for 20 years.
His decision not to seek re-election marks the end of a lengthy tenure that has seen Lavaca continue to grow while addressing infrastructure needs, supporting public services, and planning for the future of the community.
Throughout his time in office, Hardgrave has worked alongside city employees, council members, and community leaders to guide municipal operations and oversee projects aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. His administration has focused on maintaining city services while balancing the needs of a growing community.
Hardgrave’s leadership has spanned a period of significant change for Lavaca, as the city has experienced residential growth and continued economic development while maintaining its small-town character.
Residents and city officials alike have often described Hardgrave as a dedicated public servant who remained accessible to citizens and committed to the community he has called home for many years.
As his final term enters its closing months, Lavaca will begin looking toward its next chapter. The upcoming election will give voters the opportunity to select the city’s next mayor and determine the direction of local leadership for years to come.
While stepping away from elected office, Hardgrave leaves behind a legacy of nearly two decades of public service to the citizens of Lavaca.
