Copperas Cove Mayor Diaz announces she will not seek reelection

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press

On Wednesday morning, Bradi Diaz, mayor of Copperas Cove, issued a press release that she would not be seeking reelection to office in November.

Diaz said that it has been “an exciting, challenging, rewarding, and productive 26 months in office, as well as at times being very emotional and exhausting.”

She expressed her thanks for the opportunity to serve as mayor during these unprecedented times.

“I cherish all the love and support I have received and can even appreciate the constructive criticism along the way. I feel sincere gratitude to all of the City staff for their dedicated service and tireless efforts in serving the needs of our community. I hope I was able to personally thank each of you at least once, Thank You," Diaz wrote. "I also wish the City Councilmembers continued success moving forward and am grateful for the opportunity to serve with such a great Team. I will remain active in our great community and hope to continue to be a positive voice for our City’s future progress and growth. Thank you, and may God Bless you all and continue to show favor upon our great City of Copperas Cove!”

Diaz won a special election in May 2019 to fill the vacancy left after Frank Seffrood, the previous mayor of Copperas Cove, passed away in December 2018. Her term expires in November 2021.

This was Diaz’ second time around serving as mayor, having previously served in 2004. At that time, she was the city’s youngest mayor and the first woman to hold the office.

Diaz and the city faced several notable events during her time in office, to include a tornado which struck the city in June 2019, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and Winter Storm Uri in 2021.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2. In addition to the position of mayor, Place 1 and Place 2 are also up for election. Presently, Place 1 is held by Joann Courtland. Place 2 is held by Fred Chavez.

Diaz made her announcement 10 days before filing opens for the November election.

Applications for a place on the ballot will be accepted starting Saturday, July 17 through Monday, Aug. 16. Candidate packets will be available on the City website and in the City Secretary’s Office. Election information may be obtained by visiting the City Secretary’s page of the City website at: http://www.copperascovetx.gov/city_secretary/election_information/ .