The Harris County Emergency Service District No. 9 board agreed on May 28 to hold its next commissioner election in November instead of May 2027 for three seats on the five-person dais.
The gist
Three board members are approaching the end of their terms this year—Commissioners Rob Paiva, Naressa MacKinnon and Cameron Dickey–who filled the unexpired term of former Commissioner Kevin Stertzel in August. Paiva and MacKinnon were elected in 2022.
According to Texas law, Harris County ESD 9 must hold its general commissioner election on one of two uniform election dates, which occur in May and November. The requirement comes from Chapter 775 of the state’s Health and Safety Code, the statute that created all emergency service districts in Texas.
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.
