Odessa's mayor ran to help the West Texas city "repent." Now he wants a second term.

This campaign stop highlighted Joven’s penchant for diving into cultural issues while holding a nonpartisan position, which his critics say is inappropriate, alienating and distracting from everyday problems mayors should address.

Joven and his supporters say it is not about politics. It's about morality.

In his quest for reelection, Joven plans to be unwavering in his belief that governance and spirituality are bound together and social issues are as important as municipal matters, such as infrastructure and blight.

His rhetoric is becoming more commonplace in Texas, as conservatives and the far-right flank of the Republican Party have become increasingly willing to embrace religiosity in office and public policy — including in nonpartisan elections for school boards and city councils.

For Joven, it is about his obedience to God and saving the soul of his city.



https://www.texastribune.org/2024/09/12/odessa-texas-mayor-election-2024-javier-joven/