Locals Reject Proposal to Name Texas Road After Charlie Kirk

More than 100 residents voice opposition to honoring the conservative activist in Bastrop County

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Officials in Bastrop County, Texas, proposed renaming a portion of FM 969 to the "Charlie Kirk Corridor" to honor the slain conservative activist. However, over 100 local residents showed up to the commissioners meeting to voice their disapproval, arguing that Kirk had no connection to the area and was a divisive political figure. As a result, the county commissioner who proposed the resolution decided not to resubmit it.

Why it matters

The pushback from Bastrop County residents highlights the challenges communities face when deciding whether to honor controversial public figures, especially those with no direct ties to the local area. The debate over the road renaming reflects the broader political divisions in the country and the desire of some to avoid further polarization at the community level.

The details

Bastrop County Commissioner David Glass had proposed the resolution to rename a portion of FM 969 to the "Charlie Kirk Corridor" to honor the slain conservative activist. However, when word of the potential renaming spread, over 100 local residents showed up to the commissioners meeting with signs opposing the move. Residents argued that Kirk had divisive politics and no connection to the Bastrop community. Glass initially said he would take a "breath" and have more conversations with constituents, but later declared he would not resubmit the renaming resolution.

  • The commissioners meeting where the proposal was discussed took place on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • The original proposal to rename the road was tabled before the meeting.

The players

David Glass

Bastrop County Commissioner who proposed the resolution to rename a portion of FM 969 to the "Charlie Kirk Corridor".

Sumai Lokumbe

Bastrop County resident who urged officials to name the road portion after someone who did something for the local community.

Dock Jackson

Democratic candidate for Bastrop County judge who argued that Charlie Kirk had no relatives or connection to Bastrop County.

Ruth Todd

Bastrop County resident who said naming a road after Charlie Kirk, a "polarizing figure in politics", would not unite the community.

Charlie Kirk

Conservative activist who was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in September of the previous year.

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What they’re saying

“We need to start promoting equality, we need to start loving each other.”

— Sumai Lokumbe, Bastrop County resident (The Austin American-Statesman)

“Charlie Kirk, to my knowledge, has no relatives or connection to Bastrop County, I do not feel the court should pass a resolution endorsing this street name change.”

— Dock Jackson, Democratic candidate for Bastrop County judge (The Austin American-Statesman)

“Charlie Kirk was one of the most polarizing figures in politics. Naming a road in his honor does not unite the community... it sends a message to a significant portion of our community that their comfort in their home county does not matter.”

— Ruth Todd, Bastrop County resident (The Austin American-Statesman)

The takeaway

The debate over honoring Charlie Kirk in Bastrop County highlights the challenges communities face when deciding whether to memorialize controversial public figures, especially those with no direct ties to the local area. The strong opposition from residents underscores the desire to avoid further political polarization at the community level and instead focus on unifying initiatives that bring people together.