“Trying to Make Things Right”: Zul Mohamed Seeks Redemption via the Mayoral Ballot
After a painful public downfall and ongoing treatment for mental illness, Mohamed hopes voters will see a man trying to rebuild, not just the mistakes that broke him
Zul Mohamed has spent the past four years living with the consequences of a decision that derailed his life, shattered his reputation, and left him fighting both the legal system and his own mental‑health challenges. Now, in a move that has surprised many in Carrollton, he is asking the community for something he has not asked for before: a second chance.
Mohamed, who pleaded guilty in 2024 to more than 100 felony counts tied to a mail‑ballot scheme during his 2020 mayoral run, is once again on the ballot for mayor this May. It’s an unusual comeback — but not an unlawful one. Because his case is still under appeal and no court has declared him mentally incapacitated, Texas law does not bar him from running, according to the Dallas Express.
The City of Carrollton will hold a General Council & Special Election for Bond Propositions on May 2, 2026.
For Mohamed, the campaign is less about political ambition and more about personal repair. Those close to him describe a man who has spent years in therapy, grappling with a delusional disorder that his defense attorney argued played a central role in his actions. A jury agreed he needed treatment, not just punishment, sentencing him to a combination of probation, community service, and four years in state prison.
A Mistake That Became a Spiral
The Express reports that the events that led to Mohamed’s arrest in 2020 began with a box of mail ballots traced to a commercial mailbox he had rented under a false identity. Investigators caught the scheme early; no fraudulent ballots were ever cast. But the damage — to the election system, to public trust, and to Mohamed’s own life — was already done.
After years of legal wrangling, Mohamed pleaded guilty to 84 counts of fraudulent use of a mail‑ballot application and 25 counts related to possessing other voters’ ballots. He later told reporters he felt pressured into the plea, a claim now wrapped into his ongoing appeal.
His legal troubles deepened when investigators linked him to fake jury‑duty notices sent to dozens of Denton County residents, said the Express. Mohamed now faces six additional felony charges of impersonating a public servant. He is out on bond and awaiting a May 14 court date.
A Community Watching — And a Man Hoping
Despite the controversy, Mohamed insists he is committed to rebuilding trust. His 2026 campaign is modest — he has spent only $285 of his own money — and he faces incumbent Mayor Steve Babick in a race overshadowed by his past.
Denton County Elections Administrator Frank Phillips says the county is aware of Mohamed’s candidacy and will apply its highest security protocols to ensure a fair process for all candidates.
Mohamed, who received about 20% of the vote in 2020, knows the road back is steep. But he says he is running not to erase his past, but to show he is more than the worst thing he has done.
“I’m trying to make things right,” he told supporters privately. “I want to be better than the man I was.”
A Second Chance — In the Hands of Voters
Carrollton voters will decide whether Mohamed’s story is one of irredeemable failure or hard‑earned redemption. His name will appear on the May 2 ballot alongside three City Council races and five bond propositions totaling $235 million. Early voting runs April 20–28.
For now, Mohamed continues therapy, continues appealing his case, and continues asking the city he once disappointed to see him as a whole person — flawed, accountable, and trying to start again.