Marshall Councilwoman Godfrey Seeks Another Term Despite Opponent’s Disqualification
Marshall, TX — District 5 Councilwoman Reba Godfrey is fighting to secure another term on the Marshall City Council, emphasizing her commitment to serving the community as a ministry rather than traditional politics. Godfrey’s opponent, Candance Pierce, was recently disqualified from the ballot due to a Class B misdemeanor conviction, meaning Pierce would be ineligible to hold office even if she won.
Despite this setback for her opposition, Godfrey continues to campaign vigorously, warning that a Pierce win would render the seat vacant and stall leadership for District 5. Godfrey, who has represented the district since 2022, highlights her grassroots efforts alongside support from her husband, Willard, in restoring vital city services and infrastructure.
Driven by Faith and Community Service
A retired educator and executive pastor at New Vision Missionary Baptist Church, Godfrey describes her role on the council as a “boots-on-the-ground ministry” answering a spiritual calling rather than a political ambition. A lifelong resident of Marshall for 72 years, she pledges to keep advancing city projects impacting all residents while representing District 5.
“Even though I am a representative of District 5, I support the entire city,” Godfrey said. “This is not politics, it’s position — doing what God called me to do.”
Major City Improvements and Advocacy
Godfrey’s tenure includes key accomplishments, starting with the installation of LED streetlights — a first for District 5 that later expanded citywide. She also pushed through the city’s recent budget that granted a 4% raise for all employees, advocating for a higher 5% to meet rising inflation and increased property taxes.
“Seeing God open the purse strings to provide for everyone in the city has been remarkable,” Godfrey said, citing raises, certification pay, and training time she championed for city workers. She also spearheaded efforts to renovate Smith Park, improve aging water infrastructure, repair long-neglected neighborhood streets, and tackle persistent illegal dumping.
Her focus on the water system intensified after a pump failure in September exposed critical infrastructure issues dating back to the 1940s and 1950s. Godfrey toured the city’s wastewater treatment plant alongside Assistant Public Works Director Cory Owen to assess urgent repairs and funding needs, including a $22 million assistance effort from the Texas Water Development Board.
Unity and Spiritual Renewal at City Hall
Godfrey commended the city’s leadership for their cooperative spirit. “The spiritual atmosphere of the city council has changed,” she noted. “At City Hall, we hug. There’s love, unity, and God has done an amazing thing.”
What’s Next for Marshall’s District 5
With the ballot finalized and Pierce disqualified, Godfrey remains the clear frontrunner but urges voters not to become complacent. A Pierce victory would trigger a vacancy, complicating the council’s work. Residents in District 5 and across Marshall are watching closely as election day approaches, determining the future leadership tasked with continuing vital city improvements that affect quality of life and economic stability.
As Ohio and U.S. cities face similar infrastructure and staffing challenges, Godfrey’s ministry-driven approach underscores the growing trend of faith and grassroots advocacy shaping local government leadership nationwide.
