PFLAG Leader Gil Caley Announces Bid for Lubbock District 3 Seat

On Friday, Lubbock PFLAG LGBTQ advocacy group interim president Gil Caley launched his candidacy for the City Council's District 3 seat in the May 2026 municipal election.

Caley's announcement came a day after District 3 Councilman David Glasheen announced he would not run again. Predictably, numerous candidates will run in the district before the May 2 municipal elections.

In a late Friday news release, Caley said his campaign will focus on growth, affordability, and District 3 constituents' inconsistent City Hall representation.

“District 3 deserves to be properly represented, not just used by developers with deep pockets or career politicians to fuel higher ambitions,” Caley added. He said locals have been “consistently overlooked by the city government for policies and projects that could improve life for the working families in our district.”

The filing period for Lubbock’s May 2 municipal elections begins Jan. 14 and runs through Feb. 13. In Districts 1, 3, and 5, voters will elect a two-year mayor and four-year city council members. School board and other regional municipal elections will be on the ballot.

Caley enters a developing field. Public policy and community activist Adam Hernandez declared his District 3 candidacy earlier this month. Glasheen endorsed Lubbock County Republican Party Chairman David Bruegel, who plans to run for the same seat, and declined another term.

Caley said District 3 residents are paying more while city leaders fail to meet campaign promises in his statement.

“Like so many across Lubbock, District 3 residents face an affordability crisis while our current City Council breaks its campaign promises,” he stated.

Redevelopment, housing, and infrastructure debates have centered on District 3, which covers central Lubbock. Multiple candidates have expressed interest before the filing deadline, making the campaign one of the most eagerly followed in 2026.

There were no specifics concerning Caley's campaign platform or finances. Candidates may announce more in the coming weeks as filing season approaches.