“Teen Mom” alum Farrah Abraham announced this week she was running for mayor of Austin, Texas, only to withdraw almost immediately after learning she got the year wrong. On Thursday, the 34-year-old reality star confirmed in a video interview with TMZ that she had filed paperwork to run, but go t a surprise live on air when she was informed the election wouldn’t be taking place until 2028. “I’m super excited to be a candidate for mayor of Austin,” she told host Harvey Levin. “I’m running super early, so I can’t wait to see who’s going to be run with me and challenge me.” EXCLUSIVE: Farrah Abraham is running for mayor in Austin — but it seems TMZ broke the news to her that the election won't happen for another two years. https://t.co/vf9AoggXgQ pic.twitter.com/6uYfqazEqt — TMZ (@TMZ) January 15, 2026 When Levin asked her why she was launching her campaign two years early, Abraham appeared caught off-guard, then insisted the city secretary’s office told her the election was happening this year. “I loved that I jumped the gun,” Abraham said with a laugh. “I think there’s also a lot going on locally, so if someone also misinterpreted that and told me different, that’s OK too.” Later, Abraham told Austin-based station KXAN that she would end her bid for mayor and planned to pivot to a run for city council instead. “I reached out to the city and I just was like, ‘Hey, I’m very serious about this … I love this city and I want to get involved in and help where I live and breathe,'” she said. “I know I can help because I’m making it, others seem to be struggling, and I want to jump in the mix. If I could be a district seat and I could be mayor at the same time, I probably would do it.” Abraham has already launched a campaign website, where she has accused Austin City Hall of approving and publishing documents for an incorrect election cycle. View this post on Instagram “The real story here isn’t a ‘mishap’; it’s about a South Austin mother and entrepreneur who stood up to City Hall’s lack of transparency and won,” the website reads. “That’s the energy she’s bringing to the City Council.” She appears to be running on a platform that includes tackling the housing crisis and modernizing health care systems for working families and veterans. Abraham first gained fame on MTV’s “16 Pregnant” in 2009, following by starring on its spinoff “Teen Mom” until 2012. She later returned to the network for “Teen Mom OG” and “Teen Mom: Family Reunion.” She has also appeared on a number of other reality shows, including “Couples Therapy,” “Celebrity Big Brother” and “Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars Family Edition.” Her daughter, Sophia, will turn 17 next month. ...read more read less