Texas: Double loss for Denton Councilmember -- ousted in recall and loses reelection run

Denton City Council member Jesse Davis lost both his recall and reelection race on May 6th, resulting in an unusual (though not unprecedented) event, though the results are really worth looking at. 

Davis very narrowly lost the recall but got blown out in the reelection race. Even though they were on the ballot on the same time, Davis got significantly more votes in the recall.

The recall was 51.8-48.2% seeking Davis' removal (1518-1412).

In the reelection race, which Davis lost 60-38%, Paul Meltzer received 1840 to Davis' 1147 (a third candidate got 63 votes).

So this means that 265 people voted for Davis in the recall but not in the reelection vote. 

Having two races for one candidate is unusual, but not unprecedented. Davis' two-year term ended in May, so just lost office for a brief time.

The petition was over Davis' refusal to vote for decriminalizing low-level marijuana cases (after voters approved such a law by 71%) and against a resolution that the city not use funds to investigate violations of Texas' abortion law. The recall seemed to be a reaction to the removal of Councilmember Alison Maguire in November (Maguire's attorney is a volunteer representing the petitioners). Davis was part of the conservative group while Maguire was recalled due to redistricting changes that pushed her out of a more liberal district.