Your trusted source for community news
Sometimes multiple opportunities open at the same time, not dictating the direction a person must move.
City Councilmember Omar Roman said that happened to him this spring, forcing him to choose between two paths: Councilmember or law school. He couldn’t do both.
Roman said being a lawyer was his dream from childhood, since a single social studies class in sixth grade. After his turn at popcorn reading in social studies class, he flipped to the back of the book and read that all people are created equal and treated equally under law.
Considering the many ways that Roman said he didn’t fit in, being an immigrant from a small town living in a city who preferred friendships with girls, “somehow those powerful words evoked this powerful feeling in me,” he said. After that he set a course with the purpose of becoming a lawyer, telling everyone his plan.
In fact, Roman's grandfather always introduced him as his grandson, “the attorney,” despite knowing that Roman was a financial planner, and not an attorney.
“He wouldn’t let me forget,” Roman said.
Roman waited years for the perfect time to attend law school, but it never arrived. He started the process in 2019 while working a demanding job. After his grandfather died in 2023, he realized there was no perfect time. “If I want to do this, I have to create the moment myself,” he said.
He started studying for the LSAT in January 2024, but immediately, circumstances challenged his commitment: his husband had health issues, the Farmers Branch City Council denied the planned bond for Squire Park, work was busy, his dog became paralyzed (and subsequently recovered) and two family members passed away.
“It was one thing or another while I was trying to study,” he said.
Roman said he opted to run for re-election while applying for law schools because of the uncertainty of both paths. He wasn’t guaranteed he’d win his election, and he was not guaranteed a place at a law school. “All I could do was put myself out there and see what opportunity matriculated,” he said.
Roman said he was surprised that both doors opened for him.
According to Reuters, “Law School Trends to Watch in 2025,” the 2025 fall law school admissions process was particularly precarious. Applications were 25% higher than normal. Even with perfect test scores, applicants were not guaranteed a spot.
Roman said he had great grades, but they weren’t perfect, and he wasn’t sure that they were good enough—so he ran for city council re-election.
Roman received an admission letter in April to one of his top choices for school. He said he considered all the options, including deferring law school, but in the end, after talking to mentors and praying about it, he had to follow his dream from sixth grade. “The opportunity was too good,” he said.
Roman said that people expect city councilmembers to be transparent in every aspect of their lives but that he doesn’t feel he, or any councilmember, owes the public that much access.
“If I went to Chipotle, I certainly don’t think that’s open to public opinion,” he said.
Roman declined to state his location or the law school he is attending for fear of political retribution or debate on whether he had moved. However, said he had submitted his driver’s license and voter registration to the city attorney to show that he was complying with the residency requirements of the office.
Roman has been attending city council meetings via video conferencing. “I haven’t violated that policy, rule, law or statute by any means,” he said. “I’ve never been known for breaking rules.”
While Roman is not breaking any rules, he is pushing the boundaries by remaining on the Farmers Branch City Council through the November special election. The American Bar Association discourages students attending law school from working, especially during the first, foundational, year. This is because the school curriculum is intense and difficult, and law students need to adjust to the rigor of the school rhythms.
Roman said he felt a responsibility to find someone to carry on the work in District 1. He met with several people before he announced his resignation. Farmers Branch Elementary PTA President Lupe Gonzalez rose to the top.
Roman said the anecdotal evidence he has seen showed him that Gonzalez is a hard worker. He first met her in 2024 at a PTA event that had changed and grown drastically from the previous year. He said all the PTA members pointed at Gonzalez when he asked who orchestrated the changes. He said it takes a true leader with a vision in order to bring people together the way she did. “It was incredible to see what she was able to pull together,” he said.
“She was all in," Roman said in regard to Gonzalez's response after he spoke to her. "She was excited. She wanted to make a difference,and she has a huge network of support behind her. I hope that she’s successful… All I could do was ensure that there was somebody qualified ready to campaign.”
In response to the Branch Herald’s request for a statement about Roman’s resignation, the District 1 vacancy and Roman’s endorsement of her, Gonzalez sent a statement via text: “I am thankful for his time served on our council. He has represented our district well and leaves big shoes to fill. I am honored to have his endorsement and his trust. I wish him much success on his next adventure."
“I am looking forward to a campaign of kindness and positivity as I seek support from district 1 voters during my coming run for City Council," Gonzalez wrote. "I would be honored to serve my district [and] our wonderful city in this capacity.”
A special election to fill the unexpired term of City Council District 1 will be held with the Nov. 4 Constitutional Amendment, Special and Joint Election.
Candidate packets are available in the city secretary’s office in City Hall, or online, and notarized candidate applications will be accepted from Aug. 20 to Sept. 3.
Local News Matters
