The details
The position is currently held by Laura Richard, who is not running for reelection. or more election coverage and candidate Q&As, visit communityimpact.com/election.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 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. For more information about voting in Fort Bend County, visit www.fortbendcountytx.gov.
Tamara McFarlane
Occupation & Experience:
Central Count Election Judge, CEO Real Estate company, VP Legislation, Government Auditor, Acquisitions & Divestitures leader
Candidate Website:
www.tamaraforfortbend.com
Contact Information:
281-223-2023
Why are you running for Fort Bend County clerk?
I am running to serve YOU & prevent home title theft.
What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?
Award-winning government auditor & business professional with extensive experience safeguarding records, systems & elections.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
Customer service, home title protection, cybersecurity.
What should the county's budgeting priorities be?
Fiscal responsibility
How do you plan to continue preparing for population growth as the county nears one million residents?
My experience managing teams on billion dollar transactions for Fortune500 companies gives me the specialized skills to cost efficiently manage growth.
J.J. Clemence
Occupation & Experience:
Certified internal auditor with private and government experience specializing in audit, compliance, risk and accountability
Candidate Website:
www.clemencetx.com
Contact Information:
832-466-1807
Why are you running for Fort Bend County clerk?
I am running to continue the clerk’s office’s strong legacy of service. My background in audit and compliance equips me to ensure accuracy and transparency in property, court and vital records, while making services more efficient and accessible for all residents.
What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?
I bring private-sector operational expertise and public-sector accountability. With 20+ years in audit, finance, compliance and process improvement, I have strengthened controls and efficiency in complex organizations. My state-appointed roles provide direct governance and judicial system experience to support staff, protect records and deliver reliable service
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
My key priorities are protecting records through secure digital controls, expanding access via community outreach and mobile services, and modernizing technology with responsible IT upgrades. These actions will safeguard integrity, make services more convenient and provide faster, more reliable service for all residents
What should the county's budgeting priorities be?
Budget priorities must fully fund core services first: public safety, roads and emergency response. After those are met, other programs should only be funded if they clearly work, are cost-effective and provide public value. Every dollar must be spent carefully, respecting taxpayers
How do you plan to continue preparing for population growth as the county nears one million residents?
We cannot stop Fort Bend’s rapid growth, but we can prepare for it. This requires proper planning, smart budgeting and timely investments in infrastructure, technology and processes. Through thoughtful preparation, we will manage growth responsibly to protect our quality of life and taxpayer interests.
