Today, I filed a federal lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, against the State of Texas, the Texas Military Department, Major General Thomas M. Suelzer in his official capacity as the Adjutant General of Texas, Mike W. Gorby in his official capacity as Executive Director of State Administration, and other individuals whose identities may be determined during litigation.

This lawsuit arises from what I believe was the wrongful termination of my employment with the Texas Military Department after I refused to remove a press release I published in my personal capacity as Republican Precinct Chair for Precinct 338 in Williamson County.

For more than ten years, I served the Texas Military Department as a computer programmer. During that time, I received excellent performance evaluations, multiple commendations, and numerous awards for my service. I was not terminated because of poor performance. I was terminated, I believe, because I exercised my constitutional right to speak on a matter of public concern.

On March 12, 2026, I published a press release regarding a candidate for public office. That statement was made in my role as a precinct chair, not as an employee of the Texas Military Department. It did not claim to represent the Texas Military Department, the Texas State Guard, or any state agency. The information I discussed was based on publicly available records and concerned issues I believed voters had a right to know.

Shortly after that statement was published, I was directed several times to remove it. I refused because I believed then, and still believe now, that political speech about candidates for public office is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and by the Texas Constitution.

According to my complaint, I was told that “higher ups” wanted me fired if I did not remove the statement. Days later, on March 19, 2026, I was called to Human Resources and informed that my employment was terminated effective immediately. No performance-based explanation was provided to me.

I have spent years serving Texas, both as a state employee and as a member of the Texas State Guard. I believe deeply in public service, accountability, and the constitutional freedoms that protect every citizen — including public employees.

This case is not just about my job. It is about whether a public employee can be punished for speaking as a private citizen on political matters of public concern. It is about whether government officials can pressure someone to remove protected speech and then terminate that person for refusing.

I did not surrender my constitutional rights when I accepted public employment.

Through this lawsuit, I am seeking accountability, damages for the harm caused, attorney’s fees, and all other relief available under the law. I look forward to presenting the facts in court.

Court Document

Respectfully,
John J. Gately
Republican Precinct Chair – Precinct 338
Williamson County Republican Party
Round Rock, Texas

Amanda represents the kind of grassroots leadership our party needs right now: principled, energetic, conservative, and focused on strengthening the Republican Party from the ground up. She understands that the strength of the party does not come from Austin insiders or political gamesmanship. It comes from the activists, precinct chairs, county parties, volunteers, candidates, and voters who show up, do the work, and fight for Texas values.

Amanda Hopper has shown a commitment to building stronger conservative coalitions, supporting grassroots organizations, and keeping the Republican Party of Texas accountable to its platform and its voters. That is exactly the kind of leadership we need in the Vice Chair position.

Texas Republicans deserve leaders who will listen, organize, stand firm, and help move the party forward with courage and conviction. Amanda Hopper is ready to do that.

I respectfully ask my fellow Republicans to join me in supporting Amanda Hopper for Vice Chair of the Republican Party of Texas.

John J. Gately
Republican Precinct Chair – Precinct 338
Williamson County Republican Party
Round Rock, Texas

Date: March 12, 2026

Statement on Leadership, Honesty, and Service to Texas

Round Rock, Texas — As the elected Republican Precinct Chair for Precinct 338 in Williamson County, and as a current member of the Texas State Guard, I believe strongly that those who seek public office must demonstrate honesty, integrity, and loyalty to the people they intend to serve.

It has come to my attention that Kelly Hall, who has reportedly won the race for Texas House District 19 while also running for Mayor of the City of Round Rock, is representing on his campaign website that he has served in the Texas State Guard from 2016 to Present.

His website currently states:

"2016 – Present

Texas State Guard

Serving in emergency response, disaster relief, and community outreach. A commitment to protecting and serving Texans."

This claim is not accurate.

I served in the Texas State Guard with Mr. Hall and can confirm that he has not served in the Texas State Guard for several years. Mr. Hall was discharged from the Texas State Guard, and his service did not conclude with an honorable discharge.

During his service, Mr. Hall admitted to forging official government documents, which resulted in his discharge from the organization.

Despite this, his website currently represents his Texas State Guard service as continuing to the present.

In addition, Mr. Hall’s website presents him as a veteran. While the Texas State Guard performs an important mission supporting disaster response and emergency operations within the State

of Texas, service in the Texas State Guard does not confer federal veteran status, as members are not part of the federal armed forces unless separately serving in those branches.

The men and women who serve in the Texas State Guard dedicate themselves to protecting Texans during disasters and emergencies. Their service represents loyalty, honor, and commitment to the State of Texas. That service should never be misrepresented.

Leadership requires honesty and accountability. When individuals seek positions of public trust—whether in the Texas Legislature or as Mayor of the City of Round Rock voters deserve transparency regarding their background and service.

The people of Texas, and especially the citizens of Round Rock, deserve leaders who demonstrate integrity and respect for the truth. In my view, honesty and loyalty to the State of Texas must remain the foundation of public service.

Respectfully,

John J. Gately

Republican Precinct Chair – Precinct 338

Williamson County Republican Party

Round Rock, Texas