Joe McAnally has announced his candidacy for Liberty County Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace, citing a lifelong commitment to faith, service and community.
McAnally is a sixth-generation Tarkington resident who was born and raised in the community. He and his wife are both Tarkington High School graduates and have lived in Tarkington for more than 50 years in the home they built. The couple has been married for more than 60 years and raised their family in the area, where their grandchildren now represent the sixth generation.
Faith has played a central role in McAnally’s life. He is a lifelong member of Rural Shade Baptist Church, where he currently serves as a deacon, following in the footsteps of his father, who served in that role for more than 45 years.
McAnally is a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War as a paramedic with the 101st Airborne Division. He served seven months during the Tet Offensive as a senior aid paramedic and returned home in July 1968.
Following his military service, McAnally worked for the City of Houston as a firefighter for 37 years. During that time, he also held additional jobs to support his family, a reflection of what he described as values centered on hard work, responsibility and accountability.
“I believe strongly in God, family and country,” McAnally said. “I strive to live my life as an example to my family and community and to treat others with fairness, dignity and respect. I believe it’s not what you say, but what you do, that defines your character.”
McAnally previously served as Justice of the Peace for Pct. 5 from 2008 to 2010, bringing courtroom experience and a focus on fairness to the position.
“I am running for Justice of the Peace, Pct. 5, to continue serving the community I love and to ensure everyone is treated with honesty, respect and common sense,” McAnally said.