A Princeton city councilman who joked about shooting liberals loses his re-election bid

A Princeton city councilman lost his bid for re-election after joking about shooting liberals in a Facebook comment.

Terrance Johnson received about 54% of the vote, according to unofficial election results. Kleiber received about 46% of the votes. A total of 6,715 votes were cast in the elections.

Kleiber resigned shortly before the election, but remained on the ballot. KERA contacted him for comment by phone or email before this article was published but did not hear back. He posted an apology for his comments in a public Facebook group, The Original Princeton TX Cares.

“I realize that the content of the message was inappropriate, ill-conceived and did not reflect the values ​​and respect I hold for our community,” Kleiber wrote.

Johnson previously said it was impossible for candidates who were not conservative to win in Princeton. But as the population grows, moderates, independents and even Democrats are calling Princeton home. According to the US Census, the city is the third fastest growing city in the country.

Johnson said population growth means change – something he wants to focus on during his time on council.

“I want to be that beacon and show that there are people here with specific skills who can help grow this community, that we are not the Princeton of old and that we are moving toward a future,” Johnson said.

The race for mayor of Princeton is headed to a runoff. Mayor Brianna Chaconwho received about 41% of the vote according to the unofficial results, will be confronted Eugène Escobar Jr. in a December 14 election.

Do you have a tip? Email Caroline Love at clove@kera.org.

Caroline Love is one Report for America corps member for KERA News.

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