Mr. Kelly Hall, a candidate in the upcoming election, has been formally challenged on his eligibility by the City of Round Rock. In an official response letter, the city outlined conflicting information provided by Hall regarding his residency, one of the key requirements for holding municipal office.

According to the city, Hall previously swore in his application for the Democratic Primary that his permanent address had been in Cedar Park for four years as of December 1, 2025. However, in a separate application filed on February 4, 2026, to appear on the ballot for the mayoral race, Hall attested that his permanent address had been in Round Rock for one year and two months.

These conflicting statements have raised serious concerns about whether he meets the legal requirements to serve as mayor.

Despite this, Hall’s name is still expected to appear on the ballot for the May 2 election. However, the city has indicated that if he were to receive enough votes to win, a special election would likely be required to resolve the issue, an outcome that could come at additional cost to taxpayers.

This challenge to Hall’s eligibility was initiated by a group of six former city leaders, underscoring the significance of the concern.

As voters head to the polls, the situation presents a clear choice. Electing a candidate whose eligibility is under question could lead to uncertainty and additional expense for the community. For those seeking continuity and a proven track record, the current mayor, Craig Morgan, remains on the ballot.

As May 2 approaches, the election for Mayor of Round Rock, Texas is coming to a head. Voters are faced with a choice between the current incumbent, Mayor Craig Morgan, and Mr. Kelly Hall.

Mayor Morgan has a proven track record that is visible to the public, and his leadership is well established. In contrast, Mr. Hall has not demonstrated comparable experience or trustworthiness. Several years ago, he admitted to forging a government document—an action documented in court records.

You don’t have to take my word for it. The court documents are available for public review, along with selected excerpts provided below. The case was filed in the 459th District Court under case number D-1-GN-24-000896. These records can be accessed in person at 1700 Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78701, on the third floor. The documents were released to the public in early January 2026.

Round Rock deserves a leader with a proven record of integrity and service—not someone whose actions raise serious concerns about judgment and accountability. Claiming to be a whistleblower does not excuse wrongdoing. Mr. Hall has claimed that label, but one cannot claim to be a hero after setting the house on fire and then trying to save those inside. In this case, the facts show a different story—one where the individual created the problem and later attempted to shift the narrative.

Shifting the narrative is not leadership; it is a failure to take responsibility. At best, it reflects a hope that the truth will go unnoticed. Round Rock needs strong, dependable leadership at every level. Mr. Kelly Hall has not demonstrated that he can provide that leadership, nor has he shown the integrity required to take ownership of his actions.
 

A few screenshots from the court documents:

 

Click here to download the Original Court Document

Click here to download the Original Court Document with Yellow Highlights 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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