Mayor: ‘We Respect the Voters’ Decision’ on Harry Thomas Recall

SAN ANGELO, TX — Voters in Single-member District 3 recalled Councilman Harry Thomas on Tuesday, Mayor Tom Thompson said in a statement released Wednesday.

“The constituents of Single-member District 3 voted to recall Councilman Harry Thomas," Thompson said. "We respect the voters’ decision and the democratic process that ensures residents have a voice in their city government."

Thompson thanked Thomas for nearly a decade of service, noting that public service requires time, sacrifice, and difficult decisions. He said the City Council will determine next steps to fill the seat in compliance with state law and will provide an update once those steps are set. 

Unofficial results showed 1,605 votes in favor of the recall (67.92 percent) and 758 against (32.08 percent). 

The recall effort, led by the San Angelo Data Center Citizen Coalition, centered on concerns about transparency and public engagement related to a proposed data center project in northeastern San Angelo. Organizers cited issues including disclosure of project details, public review of zoning decisions, and responses to constituent concerns about the project’s scope and impacts. 

Under the city charter, the petition needed 47 valid signatures from District 3 voters — 30 percent of the 155 votes cast in Thomas’s last regular election in May 2023. The city clerk certified 53 valid signatures. The City Council voted 6-1 on Aug. 4 to order the Nov. 3 special election; Thompson cast the sole opposing vote. 

Past city elections administered by Tom Green County have cost roughly $20,000 to $35,000, according to previous estimates from the county elections administrator. The additional election was not included in the city clerk’s regular budget. 

Thomas, who had served more than 10 years on the council, previously said he had no plans to resign and would continue serving until the voters decided. He remains in office until the results are finalized and next steps are completed.