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Four Republicans are running for the Denton County Commissioners Court, Precinct 4, seat for the March 3 primary election.
What’s happening?
After being in office since 2018, incumbent Dianne Edmondson is seeking her third term as the Precinct 4 representative for Denton County.
She will be running against current Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth, Valerie Roehrs and David Wylie.
The Democratic primary race is uncontested, with Stephanie Draper as the only candidate running.
The winner of the Republican primary will face Draper in November. The winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.
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 communityimpact.com/election.
The gist
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.
Editor's note: article has been updated to include updated candidate responses.
application developer; systems architect; precinct chair and election judge; State Republican Executive Committee member
Why are you running for office?
The threat of the Islamization of Texas is being felt even here in Denton County. We need a commissioner who isn’t afraid to stand up to protect us from these threats. Ensuring that growth is done right is the only way to protect the quality of life in Denton County.
What are the biggest challenges facing the county?
Out of control growth, taxes and external threats to our way of life are the biggest challenge facing Denton County.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Having the courage to say no to developers who want to insert Sharia Law or simply overload our infrastructure by building homes before the roads are built.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Review the budget to find ways to spend less tax dollars. Support Sheriff [Tracy] Murphree to implement the 287-G program and reduce the burden on our jails. Work with legislators to get the Texas Department of Transportation to build the roads we need in Precinct 4.
Business owner and rancher; 38 years business experience , MBA, principled leadership delivering results with integrity ...
Why are you running for office?
I’m a lifelong conservative, rancher and business owner with decades of corporate and small-business experience, and a longtime Denton County resident. Precinct 4 faces rapid growth and needs principled, full-time leadership. I’ll fight for fiscal discipline, public safety, responsible infrastructure and transparent government—putting taxpayers and Denton County families first.
What are the biggest challenges facing the county?
Denton County’s biggest challenges are managing rapid growth while maintaining safe roads, reliable transportation infrastructure and strong public safety. We must plan responsibly, invest wisely and live within our means. Fiscal discipline and active community engagement are essential to ensure growth strengthens—not strains—our quality of life.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I’ll prioritize proactive planning, data-driven infrastructure investment and coordination with cities, Texas Department of Transportation and first responders. By focusing on congestion relief, road safety, and emergency readiness—while demanding fiscal discipline and transparency—we can manage growth responsibly. Ongoing community engagement will guide decisions and ensure taxpayer dollars deliver real results.
Sales; council member for three years, mayor for over five years, former Denton GOP precinct ...
Why are you running for office?
I am running to bring proven, conservative leadership to the county commission. As a lifelong Denton resident and mayor, I understand our unique challenges. I was selected to Trump’s America First Mayor Council for championing fiscal responsibility, protecting our taxpayers and ensuring Denton County remains the best place to live.
What are the biggest challenges facing the county?
Denton County faces three critical hurdles: rising property taxes that burden families, severe traffic congestion caused by rapid population growth and the need for increased public safety. We must proactively manage our growth to ensure it doesn't outpace our infrastructure or compromise the safety of our neighborhoods.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I will prioritize a low tax rate by streamlining county government and eliminating waste. To fix traffic, I’ll leverage regional partnerships to accelerate road projects. Furthermore, I will ensure our sheriff’s department has the advanced resources and full support necessary to keep our growing community safe and secure.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Denton County commissioner, Precinct 4; I completed many road projects and passed the lowest property ...
Why are you running for office?
I pledge to continue the conservative policies of the court, keep property taxes low and spend tax dollars wisely. There are many road projects to finish and a county fire protection plan to implement. Voters can check my list of accomplishments on my website. I will bring results, not rhetoric.
What are the biggest challenges facing the county?
The two biggest issues are public safety and taxes.
How do you plan to address these issues?
We have lowered the county tax rate annually, now at its lowest in 40 years. I pledge to continue that trend. I fully support public safety provided by our sheriff and other first responders. I pledge to continue supporting our law enforcement personnel and completing projects for road safety.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Our explosive growth (90 people a day coming to Denton County!) presents many challenges, so we must responsibly plan for growth, continue our financial conservatism in spending and form partnerships with other entities, which usually bring us $8 for every $1 of country money for shared road projects.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priorities are smart growth and aligning transportation infrastructure and public safety with rapid population growth. I fully support continued 287(g) participation, back law enforcement and first responders, maintain fiscal discipline and lead with accountability to keep Denton County safe, orderly and thriving.
My top priorities are keeping taxes low, delivering infrastructure that matches our growth and empowering our sheriff to fight crime. I am committed to responsible growth that protects our quality of life while maintaining the conservative values that have made Denton County a beacon of freedom and prosperity.
