The position is currently held by Laura Richard, who is not running for reelection. For 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.
Montreal Peterson
Occupation & Experience:
Operations manager, county clerk (3 yrs); Navy support (16 yrs); serving Fort Bend (5 yrs)
Candidate Website:
https://www.montrealpetersonforcountyclerk.org
Contact Information:
757-572-1080
Why are you running for Fort Bend County clerk?
I’m running for Fort Bend County clerk to build on the strong 15-year legacy of the current office. Already part of the team, I bring experience, dedication and a commitment to serving our growing, diverse community with fairness and professionalism.
What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?
I am a proven, experienced public servant, currently serving in the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office. With hands-on knowledge of operations, records management and community service. I am committed to fairness, transparency and efficiently serving our diverse, growing community.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
If elected, my top priorities will be continuing the office’s 15-year legacy of professionalism, ensuring fair, accessible and efficient services, protecting vital records, supporting families and veterans, and serving Fort Bend’s diverse community with transparency, integrity and respect for all residents.
What should the county's budgeting priorities be?
The county’s budget should prioritize essential services, including public records, court operations, public safety and support for veterans and families, while ensuring equitable access, community well-being, infrastructure maintenance, and transparency, all managed responsibly to serve Fort Bend County residents efficiently.
How do you plan to continue preparing for population growth as the county nears one million residents?
As Fort Bend County nears one million residents, I am actively preparing by implementing strategies from the county legislation pamphlet for populations over one million, streamlining office and court processes, modernizing records, and ensuring vital, property, and veteran services remain efficient and accessible.
Shah Haleem
Occupation & Experience:
Small business owner 20 years’ experience: technology, business, operations, leadership, management, legal & real estate
Candidate Website:
https://www.shahforclerk.com
Contact Information:
281-748-9880
Why are you running for Fort Bend County clerk?
I’m running to improve the County Clerk’s office and ensure that services are accurate and professional, our data and records are secure, services are accessible for residents no matter their zip code or language spoken and modernize our filing systems for efficiency, especially as our diverse county grows rapidly.
What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?
I’m qualified and prepared to lead based on my unique educational, work, political and dedicated community service background: over 20 years’ experience in information systems, business, management, operations and real estate, B.S. degree computer information systems, trusted Democrat and known for decades of extensive community service throughout Fort Bend.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
Top priorities are securing records and improving customer service and accessibility, as residents deserve prompt and respectful service no matter their zip code or language spoken. Plan to modernize operations, strengthen digital security and streamline filing services so clerk’s office is faster, safer and more responsive, while ensuring supportive workplace.
What should the county's budgeting priorities be?
Regarding the county clerk’s office, the county budget should fund necessary positions, fund mobile offices in rural areas and improve innovation and security. With rising inflation, the budget should pay employees dignified wages and benefits, so they can afford to live in the county where they work and serve residents.
How do you plan to continue preparing for population growth as the county nears one million residents?
The county clerk’s becomes more crucial as the custodian of records, including birth, marriage, death, DBA’s, property and county court records, overseeing elections administration. I plan to modernize with innovation, improve security, easier court filings, expand locations and language access, protect our data, increase community engagement and listen to residents.
Sonya Jones
Occupation & Experience:
Policy analyst with hands-on experience managing complex public programs and ensuring strong governance and accountability.
Candidate Website:
https://sonya4fortbend.com
Why are you running for Fort Bend County clerk?
I am running for Fort Bend County Clerk to modernize services and better serve both the public and legal community with efficiency and transparency. I will ensure county records follow best practices and state law while delivering culturally responsive service that reflects Fort Bend County’s diverse, global community.
What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?
I bring executive-level leadership, proven budget and records management experience, and a track record of modernizing large public institutions. I have overseen complex budgets, ensured legal compliance, led diverse teams and delivered transparent, efficient services—skills directly aligned with the responsibilities of Fort Bend County clerk.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
If elected, my top priorities are strengthening organizational culture, improving employee morale and conducting a thorough budget analysis to ensure resources are allocated efficiently. I will focus investments on staff support and service delivery so the county clerk’s office operates effectively and responsibly in serving the public.
What should the county's budgeting priorities be?
The county’s budgeting priorities must address long-overdue technology upgrades in the county clerk’s office while ensuring funding to meet unfunded and new legislative mandates. I will advocate for responsible investments that modernize operations, improve public access and ensure full compliance with state law.
How do you plan to continue preparing for population growth as the county nears one million residents?
As Fort Bend County approaches one million residents, I will raise the standard of excellence by expanding technology, improving language accessibility and strengthening community outreach. These efforts will ensure residents receive efficient, inclusive and responsive services that keep pace with growth and reflect our county’s diverse population.
Maria T. Jackson
Occupation & Experience:
Attorney, mediator & arbitrator, retired district judge; former prosecutor; compliance director; supervising attorney with HPD [Houston Police Department]
Candidate Website:
https://mariaforcountyclerk.com
Why are you running for Fort Bend County clerk?
I am running to continue my lifelong public service by leading an office that demands integrity, accuracy and accessibility. As Fort Bend County grows, residents deserve an experienced leader who values transparency, efficiency and public trust in county records and services.
What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?
I bring decades of experience as a judge, prosecutor, compliance director and supervising attorney. My careers required managing staff, safeguarding sensitive records, ensuring legal compliance and serving the public fairly. These are the core responsibilities of the county clerk’s office.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
My priorities include improving customer service, reducing wait times, expanding secure online access, ensuring timely public access to records, strengthening cybersecurity and investing in staff training so the office is professional, efficient and responsive to the public.
What should the county's budgeting priorities be?
The county should prioritize responsible spending focused on technology modernization, cybersecurity, staff training and efficient service delivery. Smart investments reduce long-term costs, protect personal information and ensure taxpayers receive reliable and accessible government services.
How do you plan to continue preparing for population growth as the county nears one million residents?
Preparation requires scalable technology, expanded digital services, cross-trained staff and long-term planning. I will support systems that grow with demand so residents experience efficient service, secure records and continued access as Fort Bend County expands.
