FATE, TX — Voters in the City of Fate have removed Councilwoman Codi Chinn from office following a successful recall election held May 2, 2026, according to unofficial results released Saturday night.
With UNOFFICIAL VOTE TOTAL: 56.34% FOR RECALL / 43.66% AGAINST | TOTAL VOTES CAST: 1711, a majority of voters supported removing Chinn from her seat, ending her term nearly a year early. The results remain unofficial until canvassed by the City Council, but the margin indicates a clear outcome.
The recall follows a rapid petition effort earlier this year in which residents gathered 396 verified signatures, well above the 351 required under the city’s home rule charter. Once validated, the council was legally required to call the election, leaving no discretion to delay or deny the process.
Chinn was elected in June 2024 after defeating Cinnamon Krause in a runoff, securing 835 votes (56.92%) to 632 (43.08%). Some have argued that her success in the election was a surprise, given how she became increasingly caustic on social media during the final days of early voting. The recall petition alone represented nearly half of her original vote total, signaling early and organized opposition that ultimately carried through to election day.
Saturday’s results confirm that the dissatisfaction reflected in the petition effort translated into votes.
Social Media Strategy Backfires
In the days leading up to the election, Chinn and some of her supporters attempted to push back against the recall with a social media campaign that included imagery and messaging encouraging supporters to “flip off” critics—widely interpreted as directing a middle finger at fellow Fate residents.
Rather than diffusing tensions, the approach appears to have hardened opposition. Several residents cited the messaging as emblematic of broader concerns about tone, conduct, and representation at City Hall.
With the recall approved by voters, Chinn’s seat will be declared vacant upon official canvassing of the vote.
Looking Forward
Under the city charter, the remaining council members are expected to appoint a replacement to serve until the next general election. Normally, this would be the following May 2027, as the remainder of the term is for less than 12 months. However, in this situation, it will likely be in November 2026, where an election will be scheduled to consider the recall of three other council members, as well as the Mayor. At that time, voters will be asked to pick a replacement to fill the unexpired term of Place 1, which will be May of 2027. Assuming things go according to schedule.