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Two Republican candidates are running for a four-year term as Collin County judge in the upcoming March 3 primary election.
The big picture
Rick Grady and Chris Hill are looking to earn the Republican nomination for the county judge seat. The winning Republican candidate will face Democrat John R. Buster Brown in November.
Brown is running uncontested in the Democratic primary. Community Impact runs candidate Q&As for contested races only.
Preparing for the polls
Early voting begins Feb. 17 for March 3 primary races across Texas, including 18 statewide races and various local races. Registered voters may cast ballots in either Texas’ Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Third-party candidates will appear on the ballot in November.
For more coverage of state and local races, visit www.communityimpact.com/election.
What you need to know
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been minimally edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
* indicates incumbent candidate
Private equity partner, two-term city councilman, public and private board experience, combat veteran
Why are you running for office?
Collin County is growing rapidly, and planning is not keeping pace. Public safety, roads, housing, water and finances all lack attention. Our county debt is not affordable. We are reacting, not leading. My expansive qualifications brings new leadership, focused on the future needs of our citizens and our county.
What are the biggest challenges facing Collin County?
Attention to public safety is abysmal. Our sheriff needs more officers. County roads are unsafe. Major thoroughfares lack funding. The need for expanded emergency services should’ve been a foreseen and planned item, not a citizen petition. Older structures lacked repairs and new buildings lack planned M&O. Funding is strained.
How do you plan to address these issues?
We will support and expand our law enforcement (no defunding), gain funding to improve state and federal roads and highways, partner with municipalities on expanding emergency services, plan for growth with public and private enterprises, and bring corporate disciplines to managing our current debt and eliminate abuse and waste.
If you are elected, what can residents expect from you?
Boots on the ground. You can’t lead a community if you’re not out in the community. Open dialogue. I don’t carry grudges, believe in reprisals, operate through revenge or vindictiveness. I communicate with groups and organizations. I plan for the future and new opportunities, new growth, and new expansions.
County judge, county commissioner, corporate controller, executive pastor, CPA, CIA, CGMA, CFE, MBA, MSA, MA
Why are you running for office?
Five generations of my family have made their home in Collin County, and my great-great-grandparents were Collin County farmers throughout the Great Depression. I love the people of Collin County and I’m working hard to preserve and protect the blessings and the opportunities of our community for future generations.
What are the biggest challenges facing Collin County?
During my first campaign, I promised that I would pursue limited government, low taxes, and excellence in every aspect of county government. I kept my promises and I’ve stood strong as a consistent and courageous champion for Texas values including private property rights, limited regulation, low taxes, and government transparency.
How do you plan to address these issues?
In 2020, while other elected officials were busy enforcing lockdowns and making arbitrary lists of essential and non-essential workers, I boldly declared that “Every Texan is essential” and I stood strong to defend the liberties and livelihoods of all Texans. No lockdowns. No closures. No mask mandates. No vaccine mandates.
If you are elected, what can residents expect from you?
Today, Collin County is the healthiest, safest, and strongest county in Texas, and we lead the state in economic opportunity and government efficiency. As your county judge for four more years, I will continue to keep my promises and I will keep Collin County successful and Texas Strong!