Harris County ESD 9 to hold commissioner election in November

ESD 9 legal counsel David Manley said most emergency service districts in Harris County hold their elections in May to avoid being grouped with a longer list of races on the November ballot. Additionally, he said May elections often attract voters who are more educated about ESD races and have greater name recognition with candidates.

However, voter turnout is much higher for November elections, especially in a midterm election year like 2026, Manley told commissioners during the meeting.

The board ultimately agreed 4-0 to hold the election in November, with Commissioner Bevin Gordon absent for the May 28 vote.

How it works

Harris County ESD 9’s commissioner election is not administered as individual positions or places on the board—as frequently seen in school board and city council races. Instead, voters must select their top three candidates from one list of names.

The three candidates to receive the most votes in November will serve a four-year term on ESD 9’s board of commissioners, as mandated by Chapter 775.

Looking forward

The ESD 9 commissioner race will appear on the general Harris County ballot Nov. 3.

The district has until June 18 to post a notice of candidate filing deadline, and candidates may begin filing in mid-July, according to the Texas secretary of state’s office.