Q&A: Meet the Republican runoff candidates for Harris County judge

Why are you running for Harris County judge?

Taxes are too high; our money’s wasted on unnecessary programs. Crime is out of control; our criminal justice system is not holding perpetrators accountable & flooding continues to plague our region despite voter-approved bonds in 2018 to address flooding. I will cut taxes, hold crooks accountable and fix flooding.

What about your experience makes you stand out as a candidate?

Former Houston City Council member and former Harris County Treasurer. I have first-hand experience with issues facing our region. I’m the only candidate who has voted for property tax cuts, earning the “Political Courage” Award from the Republican Party. A former Harris County Probation Officer who knows how to cut crime.

What are your top three priorities for constituents in Harris County, and why?

Cut property taxes because, as we’ve all seen, our tax dollars are wasted. Create a public safety district that would allow any of more than 12,000 law enforcement officers in our region to respond to emergency calls. Use the flood control bond money approved by voters to address flooding.

A 2025 State of Housing in Harris County report found the number of cost-burdened households is increasing, making homeownership increasingly out of reach. If elected, what specific actions will you take in your first year to address this growing concern?

The largest increase on existing and new home buyers is property taxes & the growing cost of homeowners' insurance. I would work with the Texas Department of Insurance & the legislature to reduce premiums, cut local property taxes and offer first-time homebuyers assistance to buy down interest rates.

Harris County residents have yet to receive updated information about FEMA flood maps, leaving communities and the governing bodies who oversee infrastructure decisions at a standstill. If FEMA flood map updates continue to lag, what local measures in emergency preparedness would you support to guide flood-risk planning in the meantime?

Accelerate the Kingwood Diversion Channel and Taylor Gully detention and channel improvement, increase maintenance on channels in Kingwood, especially Bens Branch, actively participate in the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District, resurrect the San Jacinto River Watershed Master Plan, & Re-focus the Flood Control District on flood damage reduction projects.

What is your approach to collaborating with other commissioners to reach consensus on policy and budget decisions?

Working collaboratively as I’ve the last 18 years in elected office at both the city of Houston and Harris County. I worked with two mayors while in office at the city of Houston, two county judges, and 6 different county commissioners. Compromise on common issues, but never on values.

Why are you running for Harris County judge?

Harris County government is drifting away from core responsibilities—public safety, flood control, infrastructure, and responsible budgeting. Families are paying more and getting less: higher taxes and fees, slower services, and broken priorities. I’m running to restore disciplined leadership that treats county government like a service organization, not a political machine—focused …

What about your experience makes you stand out as a candidate?

I’ve built and operated businesses where budgets must balance, projects must perform, and contracts must be managed with discipline—or you fail. My background in construction and risk management means I understand how to evaluate costs, timelines, procurement, and performance standards—especially on infrastructure and major public projects. I’m not coming in …

What are your top three priorities for constituents in Harris County, and why?

Restore public safety and rule of law by strengthening coordination across agencies, supporting law enforcement, and fixing bottlenecks in courts and jail capacity. Stop waste and restructure county operations with a full audit of departments, contracts, payroll classifications, and procurement—then cut what doesn’t serve core duties. Rebuild basic infrastructure and …