Gerard Hudspeth’s tenure as the mayor of Denton will come to an end early this summer after three terms in the position.

The overview: He will retain his seat until June 23, when the new mayor is sworn in after the city’s runoff election between Chris Watts and Brian Beck. That election will take place June 13. 

Hudspeth was raised in Denton and has been the mayor since 2020, having been elected to the position three times, the maximum term limit for the same seat on City Council.

He recently spoke with Community Impact about his start in local politics, highlights from the last six years as the city’s mayor and what’s next for him once he leaves office.

Answers have been edited for length, style and clarity.

Family-owned restaurant Fat Down BBQ held a soft opening late March in Denton.

The details: Fat Down BBQ offers slow-smoked meats, homemade sides, sandwiches, catering and a full bar, according to its website.

Signature menu items include:

• Sliced or chopped brisket

• Smoked sausage

• Pork ribs

• Jalapeño creamed corn

• Mema’s potato salad

The background: According to a social media post from the restaurant, Fat Down BBQ has TVs above its bar for customers to watch sports and other events while dining.

• 1123 Fort Worth Drive, Denton

Stay informed on five road projects around-Dallas Fort Worth.

Collin County
1. Marilee Road improvements
Project: The project consists of reclamation of the existing asphalt roadway on Marilee Road from Preston Road to Dallas Parkway in Celina. This project will be shared with the city of Gunter, Grayson County, Collin County, city of Celina and the adjacent subdivision developers.
Update: The project is in the design phase and waiting on funding to determine a timeline for bidding.

• Timeline: estimated completion in April 2027
• Cost: $8.7 million
• Funding sources: city of Gunter, Grayson County, Collin County, city of Celina and the adjacent subdivision developers

• Timeline: late 2026-late 2027
• Cost: $9.2 million
• Funding source: city of McKinney

As health care costs continue rising in Texas and across the nation, state lawmakers are working to understand the factors that make health care unaffordable and what can be done to rein in prices.

The big picture: About 5.2 million Texans, or 16.7% of the state’s population, did not have health insurance in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

For years, advocates have called on Texas lawmakers to pass laws to drive down health care costs and improve access to health insurance. During a two-day hearing April 30 and May 1, a Texas House committee examined why health care costs are rising. Lawmakers will discuss potential policy solutions later this year, committee chair Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, said.

What's happening: Yale University professor Zack Cooper said that since 2000, U.S. health care spending has grown three times faster than inflation. The average health insurance premium for a family of four is $27,000 per year, he said.

“Every family is basically buying a new Toyota Corolla worth of health insurance," Cooper told lawmakers.