The details
The position is currently held by Republican Matt Sebesta, who is not seeking reelection. For more election coverage and candidate Q&As, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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 Brazoria County, visit www.brazoriacountytx.gov.
Rob Giesecke
Occupation & Experience:
Commercial estate broker; Port Freeport Commission chairman, overseeing Texas’s 5th largest port, top 20th nationwide
Candidate Website:
www.robgiesecke.com
Contact Information:
713-416-8285rn
Why are you running for office?
I’m running to put my conservative leadership to work for all the citizens of Brazoria County. When I ran for Port Freeport Commission, I promised voters that I would eliminate the port’s property tax, cut wasteful spending, and put term limits on port commissioners. I kept all of those promises.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities will be lower taxes, public safety, and investing in flood mitigation and road improvements. My tax relief plan will include freezing the county tax bill for seniors and the disabled, cutting wasteful spending, and requiring voter approval before any new debt is issued.
What are the biggest challenges facing Brazoria County?
The rapid rise in property taxes that homeowners and businesses have seen in recent years is a major issue that must be addressed. Other challenges include flooding and drainage, emergency preparedness for both natural and manmade disasters, and handling the population growth that is coming.
What is the county’s biggest challenge to public safety and how would you solve it?
Long term, the biggest challenge facing law enforcement is the county jail. It’s nearing capacity, and as the county grows that situation will only get worse. We must find a cost-effective way to add beds without breaking the budget, and that will require fiscal discipline and a business-minded approach.
How can the county continue preparing for incoming development and growth?
The county must set long-term goals and plans to avoid being overwhelmed by growth. Looking at the future impacts of decisions made today has been an important part of my experience at Port Freeport, and that long-term perspective will be essential for Brazoria County.
Kevin Cole
Occupation & Experience:
Mayor of the city of Pearland
Candidate Website:
www.coleforbrazoriacounty.com
Why are you running for office?
I believe God has given me a new assignment. Our county will double over the next 25 years and I believe I am uniquely qualified to lead our county through this tremendous growth.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Once elected, my top priorities would be safer communities, low taxes through responsible budgeting, efficient and transparent government, and a strong future built on smart growth, reliable infrastructure, and effective public safety.
What are the biggest challenges facing Brazoria County?
Brazoria County’s biggest challenges are managing rapid growth and the strain it places on public safety and infrastructure, ensuring both are adequately staffed, funded, and expanded to meet the demands of a growing population.
What is the county’s biggest challenge to public safety and how would you solve it?
The county’s biggest public safety challenge is keeping pace with rapid growth. I would address it through strategic planning in partnership with the Commissioners Court and the Sheriff’s Office to ensure staffing, resources, and infrastructure grow alongside our community.
How can the county continue preparing for incoming development and growth?
The county can prepare for incoming development and growth through strategic planning—anticipating needs, aligning resources, and coordinating with county departments to ensure infrastructure, public safety, and services keep pace with growth.
