Former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price announced early Thursday she will be running for Tarrant County judge in 2022. The announcement comes just days after current judge Glen Whitley said he will not be seeking re-election.

Price did not seek re-election for mayor in 2021. During a January press conference, she said she hoped to spend more time with her grandchildren but hinted at a continued involvement in public service. Price previously served five terms as mayor. So far, one other candidate Tim O’Hare, former Farmers Branch mayor, has filed for the Tarrant County judge race.

“With the news of Glen’s retirement, I announce my intent to run for Tarrant County judge. Not only do I have the fire and passion to continue serving the good people of our county, but my decades of business and public servant experience—both as Tarrant County tax assessor and mayor of Fort Worth—make me an ideal and qualified candidate for this position critical to both our present and future,” Price said in a statement, adding that she will make a more formal announcement in the coming months.

In a June 8 social media statement, Whitley spoke fondly of his tenure as judge of the state's third-most populous county. He has held the position since 2007.

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve my county and to do so alongside my fellow commissioners,” Whitley wrote on his social media. “I am proud of all that we have accomplished together to make Tarrant County among the most innovative and collaborative counties in the nation.”


Price has already received the endorsement of Whitley, former Southlake mayors John Terrell and Laura Hill, and Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams.

“I enthusiastically endorse Betsy Price as the next county judge,” said Judge Whitley in a statement. “She is smart, hard-working and conservative—the perfect fit for Tarrant County.”

The last day to file for the March 1, 2022 elections is December 13, 2021.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to include more information about the 2022 election.