IRVING, Texas - Former Irving Mayor Herbert A. Gears has announced his candidacy for mayor in the city’s May 2, 2026, general election, outlining his platform in a recently released YouTube video.
Gears, who served as mayor from 2005 to 2008, said he is seeking the office as the city prepares for a leadership transition prompted by term limits. Current Mayor Rick Stopfer has served three consecutive terms since 2017 and is ineligible to seek another term under Irving’s rules, which limit mayors to three consecutive three-year terms before requiring a 3.5-year break. Click here to view Stopfer's accomplishments as Mayor.
In the video, Gears said the upcoming vacancy creates what he described as a loss of experience on the City Council at a time when Irving has grown into one of the largest cities in the country. He argued that the city’s size and resources require decisions that more directly benefit residents.
Gears focused much of his message on financial policy, criticizing what he described as a long-standing emphasis on maintaining bond ratings. He said that approach has resulted in the neglect of resident priorities and argued for what he called “resident-sensitive financial management.” Among the ideas he highlighted were potential property tax cuts for homeowners, increased exemptions for senior citizens, and reducing fees that make up a large portion of monthly water bills.
He also suggested the city could pursue programs such as childcare assistance for qualifying families, jobs initiatives for teenagers, and a citywide wireless internet system provided at no cost to residents. Gears said Irving’s resources and corporate partnerships make such initiatives possible.
“Being uniquely qualified with experience, I have joined the May 2nd ballot to serve in the role of the mayor of Irving,” Gears said in the video, asking voters for their support.
Gears previously ran for mayor in 2011 and 2014, losing both races to Beth Van Duyne.
As of now, three other candidates have announced their intention to run for mayor: Jeff D. Cober, William E. Sefton Jr., and Ron Alvey (known as Coach Alvey). No candidate information has yet been released for the District 3 and District 5 City Council races, which will also be on the May ballot.
The deadline to file an application for a place on the ballot is Feb. 13, 2026, at 5 p.m.
