The winner of the Democratic primary will face off against the winner of the Republican primary in November.
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.
Allen Bogard
Experience:
40-plus years local government management; 20 years Sugar Land city manager; recognized for “career excellence”
Occupation:
Public servant
Candidate Website:
https://allenbogard.com
Contact Information:
281-565-4399
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I wish to continue my career in public service. I have extensive knowledge of Precinct 3 from residency and employment. My expertise is local government, public finance and economic development. My passion is good government. I am uniquely qualified for this position and your best choice for Commissioner Precinct 3.
What is your top priority if elected?
Need for greater transparency for decisions affecting taxpayers is needed to promote public interest. Commissioners shouldn’t obligate taxpayers to major new projects without thorough public deliberation and voter approval. Current practice of accepting political donations from those with business before the court can create conflicts of interest and public distrust.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to tackle it?
Residents that live in cities do not receive basic services from Fort Bend County. For city residents to see a return for their county tax dollar, the new commissioner should propose partnerships with cities for funding of services and facilities, such as animal shelters, and first responder equipment and training.
What would you do to further mitigate flooding in the area?
Precinct 3 residents and their properties are protected from Brazos River floodwaters by levees. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey set flood records along the Brazos, eroding the riverbank, damaging infrastructure and threatening the protective levees. Collaboration across all levels of government is required to fund and construct needed erosion prevention projects.
Abrahim Javed
Experience:
Master in professional accounting, COO of a venture-backed startup fundraising over $3 million
Occupation:
Co-founder and chief operations officer at CharityStack
Candidate Website:
https://javedforcommissioner.com
Contact Information:
713-364-6832
Why did you choose to run in this election?
My campaign is rooted in my faith and diverse experiences that have taught me to look after my neighbors. With a master's in professional accounting and a background in politics, nonprofits and startups, I aim to lead with accountability, drive economic innovation and embody servant leadership as your next commissioner.
What is your top priority if elected?
If elected, I'll prioritize lowering property taxes and preventing wasteful spending in Fort Bend County. Drawing on my accounting background and business ownership experience, I'm committed to responsible fiscal management. By avoiding special interest money and ensuring transparency, I'll use taxpayer dollars wisely while prioritizing the community's needs.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to tackle it?
Resident concerns center on public safety and responsible spending. I’m committed to enhancing community safety through collaboration with law enforcement and mental health investments. Advocating for competitive pay for county employees and transparent fiscal practices, I aim to innovate but spend wisely, ensuring a secure and prosperous Fort Bend County.
What would you do to further mitigate flooding in the area?
Proactive flood mitigation strategies will require investing in our infrastructure such as heavy-duty water pumps; maintaining drainage; and coordinating with city authorities, [levee improvement districts] and neighboring counties. I will also advocate for stringent building standards and community engagement so we can prioritize climate resilience and safeguard our community for future generations.
Zeeshan Isaac
Experience:
Managed $250 million dollar budget; partnered with public and private enterprises and nonprofits; thought leader
Occupation:
Business IT management
Candidate Website:
https://zeeshanisaac.com
Contact Information:
281-223-1214
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I would like to give back to my county and country. I have successfully managed $250 million dollar budget when I was a director at American Express. Duty of a commissioner is to manage the budget. I’m asking for your vote to manage Precinct 3's budget with accountability and efficiency.
What is your top priority if elected?
When I get elected, my key priorities will be accountability, infrastructure and emergency management. My experience in budget management with thought leadership and my deeply rooted ties in Fort Bend neighborhoods for over 20 years, I am the only candidate who has what it takes to take Fort Bend forward together.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to tackle it?
Flood risk and project Brazos River erosion because $8 billion in public and private assets are at risk. Plan for growth because we are attracting residents and businesses. Issues like proper budget management, economic development, safety, security, climate change health care to building upon our infrastructure (roads, bridges, parks and technology).
What would you do to further mitigate flooding in the area?
Continue the assessment and monitoring of drainage systems and levees. Engage frequently with [levee improvement districts] and plan for heavy rainfalls. Partner with Army Corps of Engineers. All of the issues indicated above need to be managed and planned while attracting new residents and businesses, therefore, Precinct 3 requires a thought leader.
Taral Patel
Experience:
Fort Bend County chief of staff, Texas House legislative director, White House liaison
Occupation:
Fort Bend small-business owner
Candidate Website:
https://taralpateltx.com
Contact Information:
979-217-2818
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I’m a proud product of Fort Bend—since elementary school. I served as our county’s chief of staff during the pandemic, major floods, winter storms; and helped bring Amazon, Tesla and major employers. I’m running because we need bold and innovative ideas to prepare for our growing and diverse future.
What is your top priority if elected?
We must cut taxes, slash toll road fees, invest in public safety programs, attract major employers and upgrade infrastructure. As we reach a million residents in the next few years, we must make our cost of living more affordable and protect the community I have always called home.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to tackle it?
Cost of living has skyrocketed recently. I’m committed to slashing toll road fees by 10% for all EZ-Tag users, reducing county tax rate and bringing more good paying jobs. Our roads are also experiencing significant wear and tear requiring aggressive infrastructure development to handle the ongoing growth.
What would you do to further mitigate flooding in the area?
Since Hurricane Harvey, Fort Bend County has failed to take significant action to protect our communities. I propose the creation of a Fort Bend County Flood Control District that can partner with local, state and national agencies to lead the effort in protecting our homes, neighborhoods and businesses.
Kiran Rao
Experience:
School administration, master's in environmental biology, lifetime of community service
Occupation:
Assistant principal
Candidate Website:
https://kiranforcommissioner.com
Contact Information:
832-582-4832
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I first came to this country for new opportunities that weren’t afforded to me in my native country. After serving my community first as a teacher, and now as a vice principal, I am eager to help bring my experiences and outsider perspective to the Commissioners Court.
What is your top priority if elected?
If elected, I will ensure that every citizen has indiscriminate access to mobility services, as well as redoubling the efforts to ensure that Fort Bend is a safe community for all.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to tackle it?
Accessibility, mobility and safety. By providing Precinct 3 first responders with competitive wages/benefits, we can guarantee top quality emergency services in Fort Bend. Additionally, I will create an accessibility task force, by bringing relevant stakeholders together to ensure Fort Bend is accessible to all.
What would you do to further mitigate flooding in the area?
If elected, I will advocate for further funding towards nonstructural flood mitigation solutions, such as zoning law updates, flood warning systems and wetland restoration.
