Monday, Dec. 8, was the deadline for candidates to file for the March 3, 2026, primary election. Several incumbents will move forward without opponents, while other races have drawn crowded fields that are almost certain to lead to runoff elections.
Republican candidates
Several elected officials avoided a contested race altogether. Those unopposed on the Republican ballot include County Judge Jay Knight, County Clerk Lee Haidusek Chambers, County Court at Law Judge Thomas “Tommy” Chambers, Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Stephen Hebert, Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Cody Parrish, Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Larry Wilburn, and Pct. 6 Justice of the Peace Ralph Fuller.
With Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Wade Brown filing instead for Pct. 2 Commissioner, his current position drew four new candidates: Bryant Thomas Kutra, Joseph Weldon McAnally, Joseph Monroe Williams and James Gardiner. The four-way race all but guarantees a runoff after March.
For Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace, incumbent James “Jimmy” Belt faces challengers Robert Adams and Briana Dryer.
The race for 75th State District Judge is also one of the most heavily contested, with Zach Zbranek, Michelle Merendino, James David Chandler and David “Glenn” Williams seeking the seat.
Pct. 2 Commissioner Greg Arthur faces four challengers — Jacob Allen Mullins, Barry Layne Crouch, Wade Brown and Richard Himburg.
County Treasurer Kim Harris drew an opponent in Jackie Gean Johnson.
Three candidates signed up for Pct. 4 Commissioner — Brant Elliott, John Headrick and Gerald Kolarik.
For the 253rd State District Court, incumbent Chap Cain will face challenger Joshua Fitzgerald.
Delores Wiley is the only candidate seeking the position of District Clerk.
Incumbent State Rep. Janis Holt has filed for reelection in Texas House District 18.
Wesley Thomas, Ryan Taylor and Craig McNair have filed to run for chair of the Liberty County Republican Party.
Precinct chair candidates include:
- Pct. 2: Courtney Foster
- Pct. 3: Billie Williams
- Pct. 9: Sheila Rene Nawrot
- Pct. 10: Sarah Vickery
- Pct. 13: Brian Smith
- Pct. 19: Courtney Daniel
- Pct. 20: Lisa Neal
- Pct. 21: Lisa Smesny
- Pct. 26: Edison James Spencer
- Pct. 30: Sherial Lawson
- Pct. 31: Lee Ann Walker
For U.S. House District 9, which includes Liberty County and part of east Harris County, the Republican field includes Briscoe Cain, Alex Mealer, Dwayne Stovall, Jaimy Zoboulikos-Blanco, Alexandria Butler, Peter Emmert, Dan Mims and Terry Lee Thain.
For State Senator District 3, the candidates are Trent Ashby and Rhonda Ward.
Because most local races have no Democratic challenger in the general election next November, any runoff elections will decide the ultimate winners for many county positions.
Democratic candidates
The Democratic field, while smaller, includes candidates in several key races.
For U.S. House District 9, Earnest Clayton, Peter Filler and Terry Virts have filed.
For Texas Senate District 3, Bobby Tillman has signed up to run.
For the Texas House of Representatives District 18, Valorie Barton has filed.
For Liberty County Democratic Party chair, longtime Chair Michael Mark is the lone candidate.