FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2026
Round Rock, Texas

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

ROUND ROCK, Texas — Round Rock voters returned Mayor Craig Morgan to office Saturday and rejected two proposed city charter amendments dealing with electronic billboards and fire department staffing.

Morgan was reelected in the May 2 election against Kelly Hall, who remained on the ballot after being declared ineligible by the city clerk April 9. City Council members Michelle Ly and Frank Ortega also won reelection after running unopposed for Place 1 and Place 4. The results remain unofficial until canvassed by the City Council.

The city said Hall’s name remained on the ballot because the deadline had passed to remove an ineligible candidate. If Hall had received a majority of votes, a special election would have been required to fill the office.

Hall’s eligibility issue centered on residency. Community Impact reported that a challenge submitted to the city claimed Hall’s March 3 Democratic primary application listed a Cedar Park address. The city later found Hall ineligible, saying he had sworn and attested to a Cedar Park address on one filing and a Round Rock address on his mayoral filing. Hall disputed the decision and said he had documentation supporting his Round Rock residency.

Hall’s political status remains unusual because he is also listed as the Democratic candidate for Texas House District 19. Transparency USA lists Hall as on the ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election against incumbent Republican Rep. Ellen Troxclair. The same listing shows Hall advanced from the Democratic primary, while Troxclair advanced from the Republican primary.

Court filings involving Hall’s prior Texas State Guard service also surfaced during the campaign. In a Jan. 26, 2026, filing in Travis County’s 459th District Court, case D-1-GN-24-000896, defendants stated that on or about Aug. 28, 2022, then-Cpl. Kelly Hall informed SFC Jimmerson that he had “falsified orders and altered government documents” at another person’s request.

A separate Dec. 19, 2022, memorandum included in the court records states that Brig. Gen. Joe D. Cave concluded and supported the allegation that the plaintiff asked then-Cpl. Kelly Hall to alter or create fraudulent Operation Lone Star-Border Security orders. Hall was referenced in the filings but was not listed as a defendant in the civil case.

Voters also rejected Proposition A and Proposition B, both of which were placed on the ballot by petition. Proposition A would have amended the city charter to allow up to 12 privately owned, operated and funded freestanding, off-premise, double-faced electronic message centers along Interstate 35 and State Highway 45 within Round Rock and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. The city said new billboards are otherwise prohibited by ordinance.

Proposition B would have required the Round Rock Fire Department to meet National Fire Protection Association 1710 staffing and response standards, with phased requirements beginning in 2027. The amendment also would have waived the city’s sovereign immunity, allowing lawsuits to enforce compliance.

Unofficial polling numbers reported by Community Impact showed Proposition A failing with 85.15% of voters opposed and 14.85% in favor. Proposition B also failed, with 68.96% opposed and 31.04% in favor.

The election results will become official after they are canvassed by the City Council. A swearing-in ceremony is expected later this month

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

I am proud to endorse Amanda Hopper for Vice Chair of the Republican Party of 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

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